Review MEZZROW “Embrace the Awakening”

Founded in 1987, Mezzrow premiered in 1990 with “Then Came the Killing” and are set to release their third album in 2025. The Swedish thrash metal band had a rather short first era, ending in 1993 and almost three decades later, the band returned with their sophomore album, “Summon Thy Demons”, in 2023.

The second era has already delivered more than the band achieved in the ’90s, and what the five-piece offers on “Embrace the Awakening” is a well-forged continuation of what started with “Summon Thy Demons”.

Mezzrow recorded eight blistering thrash metal tracks. The opener, “Architects of the Silent War”, is anything but silent. It is an explosive thrash metal track that showcases a band working with full commitment. Raw vocals, screaming guitars, and massive riffing characterise the opener, and these features continue throughout the album.

Next is the galloping “Sleeping Cataclysm”, which allows for some neck-muscle-challenging headbanging, before the acoustic guitar introduces “Symphony of Twisted Souls”. The acoustic guitar quickly makes way for the first riff of this grooving thrash metal track.

While Mezzrow don’t reinvent thrash metal, they add a powerful element to the album, which, combined with a great sound, feels like a throwback to the late ’80s. At the same time, none of the tracks sound old-fashioned. A massive wall of riff power opens “The Moment to Arise”, followed by a screaming lead and a pulsating rhythm that runs through the entire track. Heavily pounding and slower in pace is “In Shadows Deep”. It is a dark moment on the album, spreading a sinister vibe.

“Dominion of the Dead” is the closing track and demonstrates consistent quality. There are no weak tracks on this thrash metal blast, and it’s great to hear and feel the passion of the five band members. Mezzrow delivered a great return to thrash metal with their second album and “Embrace the Awakening” shows that the guys have returned to stay. Building on the strength of “Summon Thy Demons”, the latest album showcases the band at their best, and I imagine we’ll be hearing a lot more from these Swedish thrash metal veterans.