Maximum Metal review

R E V I E W S
Maximum Metal Review
Hammerwhore - Mercyless Brutality demo - reviewed by: Agent of Steel

Track Listing
1. Slave to Hell
2. Devotion to Violence
3. Curse of the Living Dead
4. Heavy Metal Destroyers
5. Loyal to War
6. Mercyless Brutality
7. Raise Hell

Do you remember the glory days of the early 80's that gave birth to Thrash Metal? Well, just in case you don't, Hammerwhore have arrived to instruct you in Old School Metal 101. Please be seated.
The "Mercyless Brutality" demo contains 7 tracks of just that. Old Metal played for the love of old Metal, with a slight punk "influence" as the majority thrash their way to the end, ending abruptly and out of time as the drum machine keeps blasting for a few more beats.
Whether that was done purposely or not, it adds to the "charm" that is Hammerwhore.
Finishing off under 20 minutes, "Mercyless Brutality" is a VERY raw thrash-fest from start to finish (well, not counting "Heavy Metal Destroyers" which is the slowest yet still worthy track).
With sporadic guitar leads, simple enough riffs, vocals that were resurrected from the "Obsessed By Cruelty" record, and a wacky drum machine. The songs are catchy enough as a whole that will leave you screaming along and/or bashing the person next to you over the head with an empty beer bottle, complete with the Pink Panther theme sealing the gates until the next Hammerwhore release. Hopefully, next time there will be a real drummer and a slightly better production.
If you're bored with newer Sodom, laugh at Kreator's return to being "cool", and are sick of modern sounding Destruction albums, check out "Mercyless Brutality".
Contact them at: PwrDrive@Hotmail.com

--Agent of Steel 08.13.03