Info
- Band(s): Merrimack
- Label(s): Elegy Records
- Release Format(s): CD
- Release Year: 2002
- Review Date: January 30, 2004
- Author(s): Manuel Boss
Merrimack is a synonym for infinite depths / abyss in old Celtic language and was set free in ’94. The bandname is a tool for massive propaganda and to quote them in one of their interviews: “We are not into Black Metal for fun or to follow any trend. We strongly believe that Black Metal has lost its essence and we look back on the past scene with nostalgia! For the record; we’re not a political band”. Merrimack’ first demo (“Act 1”) appeared one year after its beginning and first gigs – with Dark Funeral and Necromass – were a fact in the streets of Paris. The Celts culture was a fundamental background on this first demo, but nowadays the band only focuses on extreme hate towards the utter feeble religions – such as them Christians, Muslims, Jews and other types of vermin. After the prosperous start, the band did cope with the troubleshooting within the ranks and resulted in changing drummer and vocalist. Somewhere between these events the French Black Metal label Drakkar showed interest and took Merrimack under their wings. The split with Hirilorn (R.I.P) was sold out at 1,000 copies very quickly and just that shows the outstanding job Drakkar did concerning promotion and connections. Elegy Records (USA) were to be Merrimack’ new label.
“Ashes Of Purification” shows the listener some great raw production at first. Especially the harsh guitar sound is awesome. ‘Suicide’ for starters crafts one devious atmosphere with ups and downs, loops and holes. The key elements are the solid – sometimes with too much melody and emotion – guitar leads, which doesn’t entirely mean Merrimack hates some blasting artillery Black Metal. It’s just that the overall sound of the music isn’t your average Scandinavian Black Metal act; no non-stop jamming at them power chords here. This same particularly reason shows that these snails do create an original grim Black Metal sound as ‘Paedophictic Orgasmatron’ shows. ‘Live The Lie’ includes one break where the guitars and bass produce a sound similar to a keyboard to enhance the eerie sphere. Nonetheless, the following track (‘Horns Defeat Thorns’) is the personal favorite, due to the interesting tempo changes and aggressive licks. Some might say a bit of Odhinn’ “The North Brigade” and (Ger) Frost’ “Dark Possession” are mixed within the setlist. Furthermore, the raw chants are recorded with a lot of depth to enhance the foul underground feeling called of Black Metal.
Merrimack thinks solemnly religion worldwide are the tools of Satan and serve His cause; exposing pure blasphemy and hate awaits. “Ashes Of Purification” is a nice way of showing this and the more so when coming to the conclusion this band has a definite style of their own for a change. The combination of some fast ravaging and sturdy guitar licks are the cause for this feat. Also Tsjuder and Impiety – to name a few elite – joined forces with Drakkar Records and together with Merrimack they sure have one hell of a bill for some unholy crusade to come!
