Mister Misery – Mister Misery (album review, vinyl) AtV October 19, 2024 Reviews Sweden’s Mister Misery returns with their third full-length album, a self-titled project that solidifies their position as one of the most intriguing modern metal acts blending horror themes with contemporary metal elements. Released under AFM Records, this album follows their successful debut Unalive (2019) and the sophomore effort A Brighter Side Of Death (2021). Known for their theatrical performances and dark aesthetic, Mister Misery’s third album marks a defining moment in their musical journey, one that showcases growth while staying true to their signature style. Musically, Mister Misery is an energetic fusion of modern metal, gothic tones, and metalcore elements. The band successfully merges melodic, anthemic choruses with heavy breakdowns and aggressive guitar riffs, all while keeping their horror-inspired atmosphere alive through eerie synthesizers and story-driven lyrics. Vocalist and guitarist Harley Vendetta, who also handled production duties, ensures a clear and powerful sound, allowing both the gritty intensity and melodic moments to shine. This album balances the aggression of screams with cleaner, emotive vocals, creating a dynamic contrast that keeps the listener engaged. The opening track, Root of All Evil, sets the tone with its high-energy riffs and haunting melodies, immediately pulling the listener into the band’s dark world. Survival of the Sickest, one of the album’s singles, brings an infectious chorus that is bound to become a live favorite, while Until the End leans into a faster, power metal-inspired tempo, adding variety to the mix. The album closes with Dark Legacy, a fitting finale that encapsulates the band’s horror-driven concept and leaves a lasting impression. Tracks like Crooked Man and Sinner Or Saint further highlight the storytelling aspect of the band, reminiscent of horror metal legends like King Diamond. The use of synths and atmospheric soundscapes enhances the gothic undertones of the album, giving it a cinematic quality. Despite some songs feeling formulaic, Mister Misery manages to carve out its own niche, blending familiar elements of metalcore and modern metal with a distinct horror twist. The band’s ability to craft memorable hooks and provide a visceral live experience is evident throughout the record, making this album a strong contender in the modern metal scene of 2024. For fans of bands like Deathstars or Motionless in White, this vinyl offers a polished yet darkly theatrical experience. While it doesn’t radically reinvent the genre, it does offer a thrilling, high-octane ride that cements Mister Misery as a band to watch. 8/10 Album: Mister Misery Band: Mister Misery Label: AFM Records Distribution: AFM/ The Rock Online Release date: August 2024