Merciless Slaughter

Flames is undoubtedly the most legendary group to has ever come out of Hellas and the first that played thrash metal. Merciless Slaughter is their second album, released in 1986, and the driving force behind this monument is Nigel Foxxe, Chris 'R.B. Lee' Kirk and Andy Kirk. Given the almost non-existent metal scene in Greece twenty two years ago, the limited funds and the difficulties a Greek metal fan was encountering we should be speaking about a miracle. Not only because this LP was released but because, musically, it is truly a colossal work.

The music is old-school thrash metal with dirty sound and fast guitars, closer to the American mid eighties thrash metal scene, although the sound does not resemble the sound of any of the groups of that era. A distinct characteristic of this album is the “plastic”, almost fake sound of the drums. Although a drummer was part of the group at times it sounds like they are using a drum machine, nothing wrong with it, quite the contrary, it gives a unique feeling to the music.

The guitars are fast with a very distinguishable distortion and it takes you back to the eighties. It is the exact sound that you'd expect from a thrash/speed metal group of twenty something years ago (given also the recording equipment of that decade). The sound is true, pure thrash/speed metal, dirty and trampy that the group plays with soul and guts. All the band members have great musical skills and know how to write music. Not very complex, just great riffs, fast and simple with fast and melodic solos.

Nigel Foxxe sings with gruffness but his voice is just excellent for this kind of music (and production). His voice is just right for a thrash metal recording, not too thick and not too thin and he sings with passion.

My favourite songs are Beloved Dead (what great riffs!), Werewolf on the Hunt, Moorglle (with great ending) and Cocksucking Slave, but all the songs are equally nice. You won't find any bad or even mediocre songs, no, not even a song of mediocrity, all of them are tremendous and none tires the listener. The LP tends to be very rare (not sure if it has been re-issued on CD or vinyl) but if you ever find it grab it with no second thought. A cult release.