Modrigue Mez"metal"ist

This compilation gathers the two EPs by THE MEZMERIST: "The Innocent, The Forsaken, The Guilty" and "Beg for Forgiveness, Pray for Your Life". Both were released in 1985, although the first one was initially recorded in 1983. The music is typical 80's heavy/doom metal, however with a little mystical ambiance, a kind of crossing between BLACK SABBATH, MERCYFUL FATE and HAWKWIND, and a slight punk feel on some tracks.

The first EP features the participation of BLACK SABBATH's drummer Bill Ward and is the most mesmerizing. Tommy Mezmercardo's childish falsetto voice contributes to this particular atmosphere, although his tone may not please everyone. "The Forsaken" is just an ambient spoken introduction, followed by the haunting "Dead Ones Cry No More". Alternating fast and slower passages with spacey guitar soli, this gloomy song sets the tone for the rest of the record. Very nice. "Arabian Nights" is also powerful and catchy, the most original track of the disc. "Victim Of Environmental Change" is a little more traditional heavy metal song, but remains nonetheless quite good. Mezmercardo's singing may disconcert some people, but is part of the overall ambiance.

The second EP is less mystic and gloomy than the first one, but still good. Tommy Mezmercardo abandons his childish falsetto tone in profit of a clearer voice here. More conventional, but nonetheless efficient and less cleaving. The nice opener "Kingdom Of The Dead" is pure 80's traditional doomy heavy metal, slightly epic. The best track is undoubtedly "No Family, No Friends" with its devastating riff and aggressive tune. Tommy's singing even sounds punk! As it title suggests, "The Jam Song" is mid-length instrumental jam, which is not that common in the world of metal. Despite lesser recording quality, it features cool guitar soli and bass playing.

The mystical metal approach is interesting and makes you wish THE MEZMERIST has recorded more albums to let him more develop his musical identity. Original, inspired and direct, this compilation should please 80's heavy/doom metal or even HAWKWIND fans!

Modrigue Less mesmerizing than the first one, but still good

Sometimes the cover art say all. With "Beg for Forgiveness, Pray for Your Life", THE MEZMERIST has a bit lost its personality here. First, the music is less mystic, gloomy and more straightforward metal. Second, Tommy Mezmercardo abandons his childish falsetto tone in profit of a clearer voice. More conventional, but nonetheless efficient and less cleaving. Finally, there is no Bill Ward here. However, these points does not prevent the band from delivering good stuff.

The nice opener "Kingdom Of The Dead" is pure 80's traditional doomy heavy metal, slightly epic. The best track is undoubtedly "No Family, No Friends" with its devastating riff and aggressive tune. Tommy's singing even sounds punk! As it title suggests, "The Jam Song" is mid-length instrumental jam, which is not that common in the world of metal. Despite lesser recording quality, it features cool guitar soli and bass playing.

Although the overall atmosphere is less original and a bit different than on "The Innocent, The Forsaken, The Guilty", the compositions remain inspired and direct. There are no reason for 80's heavy metal not to give this EP a listen. Again, it just makes you wish THE MEZMERIST had released more albums...

Modrigue Mesmerizing metal

Initially recorded in 1983 and finally released two years later, "The Innocent, the Forsaken, the Guilty" is the first EP by THE MEZMERIST. The music is typical 80's heavy/doom metal, however with a slight mystical ambiance, a kind of crossing between BLACK SABBATH, MERCYFUL FATE and HAWKWIND. Tommy Mezmercardo's childish falsetto voice contributes to this particular atmosphere, although his tone may not please everyone.

This EP features the participation of BLACK SABBATH's drummer Bill Ward.

"The Forsaken" is just an ambient spoken introduction, followed by the haunting "Dead Ones Cry No More". Alternating fast and slower passages with spacey guitar soli, this gloomy song sets the tone for the rest of the record. Very nice. "Arabian Nights" is also powerful and catchy, the most original track of the disc. "Victim Of Environmental Change" is a little more traditional heavy metal song, but remains nonetheless quite good.

Tommy Mezmercardo's singing may disconcert some people, but is part of the overall ambiance. This mystical metal approach is interesting and makes you wish THE MEZMERIST has recorded more albums to let him more develop his musical identity. Original, "The Innocent, the Forsaken, the Guilty" should please 80's heavy/doom metal or even HAWKWIND fans!