Craving a fresh fix of gothic metal? Look no further than Mister Misery. This Swedish
quartet conjures a hauntingly familiar and exhilaratingly new sound. Imagine Pierce the
Veil channeling their inner darkness, laced with hints of the melancholic melodies of
HIM combined with the raw energy of CKY.
They’ve opened for legends like the 69 Eyes, Nightwish, and Dream Theater while
rocking festivals like Wacken Open Air and Masters of Rock. Mister Misery’s self-titled
third album, a 12-track juggernaut, is a powerful marker of their artistic growth.
Root of All Evil kicks off the album in high gear, a guaranteed addition to any workout
playlist. Harley and Alex waste no time laying down a foundation of clean, chugging
guitars, perfectly complemented by Rizzy Misery’s driving drumbeat. This is pure
adrenaline-fueled metal, the kind of song that gets your heart racing and your body
moving. Harley’s vocals are a force to be reckoned with, shifting from a guttural death
growl to soaring screams as the track builds to impressive fills and breakdowns. A
definite Mötley Crue influence shines through, a nod to the band’s diverse inspirations
and a testament to their ability to craft a killer opening track.
The album truly shines on Eye of the Storm and Hand of Death, showcasing the full
breadth of Harley Vendetta’s remarkable vocal talents. Vendetta effortlessly transitions
from the album’s signature growls to soaring, melodic notes, reflecting his impressive
range. Eye of the Storm grabs the listener from the outset with a ferocious return of
powerful guitar licks, crafting irresistibly catchy hooks.
Hand of Death takes a darker turn, weaving eerie vocals with a narrative that delves
deeper thematically. The introduction of violins and synths adds a gothic metal flourish
reminiscent of Bullet for My Valentine with a distinct Swedish influence. This sonic
tapestry elevates the song’s emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression.
Crooked Man is a track that demands attention. This track is a mid-way turn for the
album as it opens with the unsettling creak of a music box being wound, setting the
stage for a twisted circus spectacle. This meticulously crafted song promises a
hauntingly creative soundscape, perfect for fans of the macabre. Although it starts softer
and slower, the track builds into menacing, non-lexible vocables as we’re told the tale of
the Crooked Man. The song’s infectious melody and originality drag you kicking and
screaming into a bizarre, captivating sideshow. It’s a twisted spectacle you can’t resist,
a dark carnival you never want to leave.
Next, Survival of the Sickest explodes as an homage to the band’s adventurous spirit.
This mid-album track injects a welcome melodic shift, pushing the boundaries of gothic
metal while staying true to the genre’s core. The song builds momentum, weaving in
elements of emo metal with echoes of bands like CKY, Enter Shikari, and Pierce the
Veil. Layers of sound unfold, with hints of 80s hair metal guitar riffs culminating in a
scorching solo. The song fades on a surprising note, a melancholic blend of strings and
a harpsichord-like melody, leaving a lasting impression.
The album takes a melodic turn towards the finale. Tracks like Sinner or Saint and Until
the End showcase a surprising lightness. These songs retain the band’s signature
power with driving beats and catchy guitar riffs, but a new layer emerges. Higher, floaty
vocals contrast beautifully with the album’s familiar raw, lower growls. The inclusion of
radio transmissions adds a touch of creative flair, further enriching the listening
experience.
This album descends into a stirring finale with Ripper and Dark Legacy, two theatric
ballads that trade the album’s frenetic energy for a haunting beauty. Here, the vocalist
unleashes deeper growls, a final, guttural expression of the album’s metallic core. Dark
Legacy detonates with a chorus that evokes a battle cry, transporting the listener to a
scene of Vikings chanting around a fire, their voices echoing under a starlit sky. The
album closes on a reflective note with a powerful track that weaves in breathtaking
vocals alongside the album’s signature heaviness. Strings swell in the final moments,
leaving a sense of sombre grandeur.
Mister Misery’s third album marks a confident stride forward for the band. It’s cohesive,
showcasing a tighter sound, and their experimentation feels purposeful. There’s a clear
sense of direction, with hints of a burgeoning identity that could propel them to the
forefront of the genre.
While the storytelling elements intrigue, the band’s message remains opaque. A
stronger thematic focus in future albums would set them apart from the others in the
goth metal genre.
Musically, they’re festival-worthy, as demonstrated through their many experiences as
an opening band for other artists. Their tight sound and undeniable energy evoke the X-
factor of their influences, hinting at future headlining potential.
Mister Misery’s self-titled album is set to be released on August 2 nd .
Review by Angela Croudace
