AFM Records [Release date : 02.08.24]
Looking like a reimagined Kiss in a Gothic horror movie, Mister Misery’s dress and music sense could not be more theatrical. Nor could it fit the music any better, and vice versa.
On III, they again mix and match all the distinctive elements of modern melodic metal… growling, gutteral vocals; vaguely operatic clean vocals, and (almost) symphonic metal choruses.
It doesn’t work on paper, but it sure works in the studio, and is more of a progression of the sound they were refining on last album, A Brighter Side Of Death.
Heavy Metal, as a genre, has increased its bandwith dramatically over the years. Here, the arrangements are as important as the songwriting.
Catchy choruses, suddenly spiralling up from the provocative lyrical imagery, or apparently emerging from behind a wall of thrashy guitars, keep the music fresh and interesting.
‘Root Of All Evil’, ‘Hand Of Death’ and ‘Doomsday Clock’ illustrate this best.
The switch and swap of vocals, intercut with choruses and hooks serve them well, and they don’t always aim for the epic. ‘Erszebet’s fairground keyboards and Lordi-like sense of amusement fits well with the more serious stuff. And ‘Eye Of The Storm’s hi speed bpms, red hot riffs and techno pop vocals could see this song circulating through European dance floors this summer.
The treatment of ‘Crooked Man’ is a blast. A lurching, horror story extension of the 18th century nursery rhyme seems unlikely territory. But it works. Half spoken, half sung, with a shadowy, underlying music hall ambience, you can see the kids in the audience running for the hills.
Twisting, turning melodies. Switching, swapping vocals. Driven by grinding, thrashing riffery. Closer, ‘Dark Legacy’ folds them all into one track in delivering a powerful finish. ***1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Latest session: Sunday 26 May
Next session: Sunday 29 September
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 25 August 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 27 August 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 2 September 2024
ONE LAST DAY No Chemical Reimagined (indie)
RED SKY JULY Misty Morning (Shadowbirds)
BLACK LAKES Dark Glass (indie)
THE NEW ROSES Attracted To Danger (Napalm Records)
BEARDFISH In The Autumn (Inside Out)
ROBERT JON & THE WRECK Rager (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 2 September 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
