Merrimack - Grey Rigorism

Merrimack is criminally underrated. Their groove brand of Black Metal is capable of plenty of listens. Urgehal uses plenty of groove and they are loved by many, I would expect Merrimack to receive the same attention especially when Merrimack has some better moments.

Merrimack has groove. Their Black Metal goes from 0-60 in mere seconds and goes back down in the same amount of time. With abrupt changes, it is very unpredictable. Interestingly, the vocals at time remain the same speed creating a dirge like song, or even doom and sludge. The vocals are a key portion of the album. It sounds as if little reverb was used and Terrorizt is actually screaming. The sound is dry and raw. The guitars are a synthesis of many. From Evergrey chugging to Thrash palm mutes to Black Metal fiery. Despite blending so much, there isn't anything unique and different, just good riffs arranged very nicely. As for the drums, one can't be very groovy without some snazzy bass drum work. Blast beats are fast and precise but that's been heard and done far too long. Cymbals splash and crash while the snare is being thrown all over the place. During slower moments, some of the bass work is reminiscent of Incubus of Inquisition. The French sound is prominent, think Glorior Belli and Deathspell Omega.

This album would have been one of the best of the year if the production didn't sound like a million dollars. The production is just so crystal that I find myself grinding my teeth because the precision at times bugs me. The production is so even that any sense of obscurity is absent.

Merrimack have thrown on the relentless onslaughts of Black Metal and have actually created a very structured song. With upbeat drumming in a dark setting and variations among strategic placement, Merrimack are one of the many French bands that are giving French a good name.

8/10

Crystal Clear Production is ALMOST as bad as shitty lo-fi production.
Of course, I would listen to million dollar records more than $1 dollar pieces of shit.