I have a deep appreciation for bands like MINDLESS SINNER. Despite their inconsistency with names, musically, they remain a solid and reliable force when it comes to metallic intensity and melodic heaviness. They evoke the pioneering sounds of fellow Swedish acts like HEAVY LOAD, AXEWITCH, and PROUD, yet also share similarities with RIOT, ARMORED SAINT, and ANTHEM, particularly in their more melodic and less speed-driven tracks. A common thread could be traced between JUDAS PRIEST and RAINBOW, if I had to pinpoint a classic reference.
MINDLESS SINNER began in 1981 as PURPLE HAZE, founded by guitarists Magnus Danneblad and Anders Karlsson, bassist Magnus Van Wassenaar, and drummer Tommy Johansson. After vocalist Christer Göransson joined, they briefly became GENOCIDE before settling on MINDLESS SINNER in 1982. Under this banner, they released their excellent debut album, “Turn On The Power”, in 1986.
Following several lineup changes, the band shortened their name to MINDLESS in 1987, adopting a more commercial hard rock style. They released their sophomore effort, “Missin’ Pieces”, in 1989 before disbanding the following year.
Fast forward twenty-five years to 2015: MINDLESS SINNER reformed, releasing their triumphant comeback album “The New Messiah”, followed by “Poltergeist” five years later. Along the way, they graced prestigious European metal festivals, including Keep It True in 2015, where their performance was immortalized as an official live album.
Unlike many bands that return after long absences, MINDLESS SINNER managed to retain much of their original lineup. Save for the drummer –Tommy Viktorsson replaced Tommy Johansson– the albums featured the same core members from their debut, making it a true reunion. With a new drummer, Linus Melchiorsen, joining Christer Göransson (vocals), Magnus Danneblad (guitar), Jerker Edman (guitar), and Christer Carlson (bass), MINDLESS SINNER proudly announces their brand-new studio effort, “Metal Merchants”, under High Roller Records.
“’Metal Merchants’ picks up where ‘Poltergeist’ left off”, comments vocalist Christer Göransson. “We feel like ‘Metal Merchants’ is the best thing we’ve ever done. Overall, ‘Poltergeist’ received great reviews and was a very strong record, but it was released just a month before the COVID outbreak, so I guess it was left to oblivion. The material on ‘Metal Merchants’ is particularly strong, and the production and cover are fantastic”, he adds.
The album kicks off with “Speedy Demon”, a fast yet melodic track with a hint of Teutonic power, making it a fantastic single and a perfect introduction to the new album. The title track, “Metal Merchants”, is an uplifting anthem celebrating the metal community, while “Carry On” continues in the same energetic vein. “Third Time’s A Charm” shifts the mood, offering a more complex and darker songwriting approach. Danneblad and Edman keep delivering stellar guitar work on “Hedonia”, while Göransson shines as a vocalist, displaying colorful expression, precision, and an impressive range.
“Mountain of Om” balances the album’s early speed with another more intricate, playful composition. As expected, “Let’s Go Crazy” returns to a straightforward, up-tempo feel but comes off as a bit too basic – my least favorite track, admittedly. Thankfully, “Believe In Me” picks up the slack with its pulsating energy and strong rhythm, offering a showcase for Carlson and Melchiorsen, topped off with an excellent guitar solo. The ferocious “Monsters” powers through just before the album’s closer, “Storm of Steel”, which ends things on a heavier, slower note – a truly memorable finale.
Those who purchase the CD and cassette versions are in for a treat, with three bonus tracks that are far from fillers. Personally, I’d swap “Let’s Go Crazy” for one of the bonus tracks like “A Chosen One” or “A Madman Is Crying”, but regardless, they add value to the package.
MINDLESS SINNER’s fifth album showcases the band’s evolution and the experience they’ve gained over the years. They’ve returned in full force, proudly waving the flag for traditional Swedish heavy metal.
“Metal Merchants” will be released on October 25th by High Roller Records, on all physical formats, MC, CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order MC, CD and LP here.
