1967/ 1976
Power Thrash is not a genre easily described, since the definition is the same as the Techno Thrash. However we define the musical proposal of Mezzrow as: Thrash rhythmic, Thrash guitars but writing and arrangements Power Metal. Only it's not so easy to understand where the component Thrash Metal end and where the component Power Metal begins, also because of very Thrash voice on style and timbre. Also the production is Thrash Metal for style (also if the drums sound is not perfect due to tuning. In every case Staffe Karlsson is a good axeman in soli.
In true view Mezzrow plays a good Thrash, not too technical but with great tons of feelings. Similar to Venom but with more Bay Area attitude. "The Final Holocaust" is a good song: Power Metal (Helloween) parts (and soli) alternate to pure Bay Area Thrash parts in a good song that have Prog Metal flavour, also if 100% Thrash Metal. The feeling of this song is emotional. The tempo of song is similar to NWoBHM bands but the rhythms are very tight and I must say that "Frozen Soul" is an excellent example of Techno Thrash at the limit of Speed Metal. It is equally true that the songs are very dry and direct, the other thing that I appreciate very much in Mezzrow style. All these ingredients are mixed so that the parties fast (mostly with tight rhythms) seem twice fast as parts without tight. Interesting are the fast parts where the guitars are only more fast but not more aggressive. However I would not say that Mezzrow is a melodic band.
In definitive "Then Came The Killing" is a good album. It is a pity that Mezzrow didn't have other chances. They would have earned, also if "Then Came The Killing" is only an honest album with huge potential.