Info
- Band(s): Merrimack
- Label(s): Moribund Records
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, CD
- Release Year: 2006
- Review Date: August 1, 2006
- Author(s): Dave Waite
When it comes to the French Black Metal scene, I have always felt that it has never gotten the attention it deserves. If it ever did it was usually bad due to the unfortunate influx of many a band who settles upon the far right as a political ideal. It does all seem very strange though being a country that has spawned both past and present the likes of Mutilation, Seth, Osculum Inflame and Blut Aus Nord, has stuck at the back of a pack whilst those who don’t even come close are at the forefront. On the other hand, however, you could argue that it is because of this that the scene has kept up such a high standard of bands. Remaining relatively untouched may be the key that has enabled French Black Metal to blossom its blackest flowers and set a standard that is well above the average on the world stage.
Merrimack are one of those bands who manage to capture the essence and purity of what French BM is all about in one foul, uncompromising swoop. Brutal and cold as Hell, new album ‘Of Entropy and Life Denial’ is from beginning to end a journey into the darkest realms of Black Metaldom. Combining the viciousness of Marduk with the coldness of early Darkthrone, Merrimack spread a plague that has the potential to become a worldwide epidemic and deservedly so, because rarely do bands these days pour as much malice, hatred and untamed aggression into their art as these guys. A crystal clear production backs up the bands faultless performance managing to ensnare the unwary listener into a void of pure pitch black sonic bliss. Tracks such as ‘Redeem Restless Souls’ and the fantastic ‘The Birth Of Life’s Sacerdoce’ show just how lethal and effective Merrimack’s music can be, the first an unrelenting blast of pure speed and aggression and the latter a slow, haunting ode to darkness and solitude.
Where Merrimack fail, however, is that in one sitting ‘Of Entropy and Life Denial’ tends to get very repetitive featuring the same formula in each song, a formula that has been tried and tested to the max by a million bands the world over. Thankfully though it has more good moments than bad but unfortunately, in its entirety, is maybe just a tad overlong and at times borders on the tedious. If you want a gateway to experience what the French Black Metal scene has to offer you could do a lot worse than to pick up ‘Of Entropy and Life Denial’ and although they have someway to go yet, in essence it doesn’t get more evil-sounding than this.
Moribund Records
- Country: USA
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Grindcore
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube
