The spirit of heavy metal courses through the veins of this Swedish act Mindless Sinner – and has since their start in the early 80s. Releasing their debut EP Master of Evil in 1983, they would release two albums Turn on the Power in 1986 and Missin’ Pieces in 1989 before shortening their moniker to Mindless and pursuing more commercial hard rock pastures before breaking up a year later. The band returned in the early 2000s and has been going strong ever since, with four of the five members still going strong from those early years (drummer Linus Melchiorsen joining the group in 2022). Metal Merchants as the group’s fifth studio record showcases the soaring traditional metal anthem template reigns supreme in this set of material – eagle high vocal melodies, thunderous twin axe attack action, plus rock solid bass / drum foundational movements all align to create exciting moments throughout the hour-long playback.
It’s hard not to get swept away by the upper register range of vocalist Christer Göransson. His steel pipes command rapt attention, much like Bruce Dickinson, Michael Kiske, and Rob Halford in their prime when you hear his ascension to the star propensities for standout numbers like “Carry On” or the Twisted Sister-esque “Let’s Go Crazy”. Chronicles of the band’s adventures for a trio of delays opening for Judas Priest in Sweden because of COVID-19 restrictions inspired “Third Time’s a Charm” – an interesting mid-tempo anthem that aligns well with those who dig older Dio, 80s-era Judas Priest or classic Accept, the syncopated drum / rhythm guitar movements for the verses leaving a snake charm-like atmosphere that’s irresistible. The fluid lead break tradeoffs and twin harmony accents next to main riff duties between Magnus Danneblad and Jerker Edman excel on “Speed Demon” – while the softer, restrained angle comes out for the intro moments of the adventurous “Mountain of Om”, these gentlemen executing thoughtful runs a la Murray/Smith of Iron Maiden during their prime.
Hooks abound, never losing sight on the intention to get the songs off to a galvanizing push, hammering home the choruses, to leave the followers clamoring for more. Sirens signal the thunderous “Storm of Steel” – a militant march-oriented tempo leading the battle charge, another timeless offering that sounds vibrant in 2024, heads banging to oblivion. While the tape and vinyl owners get ten songs, if you prefer digital or CD copies, you’ll be privy to three bonus cuts – of which “A Madman Is Crying” has standout qualities, the main groove plus bluesy lead spots fantastic as Christer once again sings to heights rarely heard for the 60-plus crowd he is a part of.
Probably not on your radar in those 80s years, Mindless Sinner continues to make the most of their second go around through Metal Merchants. It’s the type of heavy metal that fills hearts and souls with warmth and energy – the denim and leather brigade will celebrate this offering.