High-speed, classic thrash.
The classic metal sound generated by the thrash metal band Mezzrow was released in November 2025 in their most recent album, Embrace The Awakening, two years since their last release. The long-awaited album is Mezzrow’s first release since 2023, who has been releasing albums since 1990.The primary characteristic of Embrace The Awakening is its blistering pace, driven by guitars that rarely slow, powerful vocal lines and percussion that never rests. Thematically, the album focuses on cyber warfare along with traditional warfare.
Beginning with the genesis of Mezzrow, the group coalesced in Sweden in 1987, drawing major inspiration from thrash metal, particularly Bay Area giants like Testament, Metallica and Exodus. The founding members include Ulf “Uffe” Pettersson (Vocals and the public face of the band) and Conny Welén (Bass), who helped reform the band and was a key player in musical production. Currently, the five-member lineup, focused on perfecting a speed thrash style for Embrace The Awakening, includes: Magnus Söderman (Lead Guitar), Ronnie Björnström (Guitar, Recording/Mixing/Mastering) and Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö (Drums) alongside the two founders.
Switching to the tracks, Mezzrow displays its versatility on “Symphony of Twisted Souls.” The beginning immediately captivates with a melodic fragment before the speed thrash kicks in, featuring a strong bass line and infectious riffs. In addition, the overall intensity is dependent on all instruments working together, culminating in a dramatic build-up right before the chorus as the continual guitar thrashing narrates the themes of death and fear.
The fourth track, “Foreshadowing,” unifies Mezzrow’s scorching guitar work and its lyrical concepts such as “foreshadowing your demise,” resulting in total subject consistency. This dark narrative is driven home by vocalist Pettersson, whose delivery is clean yet forceful, providing the necessary intensity to anchor the complex, mid-to-fast tempo heavy metal framework. Equally important, the formula of Bay Area’s speed thrash and the polished production are evident in the track.
The unrelenting pace of the thrash metal persists on the seventh musical piece, “Inside the Burning Twilight.” The song launches instantly, showcasing the guitarist’s dexterity with a rapid succession of technically challenging, shifting riffs. Also, the drummer anchors this speed, employing the bass drum in conjunction with quick flurries to powerfully transition the track into moments of satisfying, heavy groove.The vocals add to the impact of the musical work, singing about murky socio-political issues.
To conclude, Embrace The Awakening reflects a period of firm internal stability, courtesy of a seamlessly integrated lineup. Mezzrow remains undeniably skilled, with the detailed changes and strong grooves demonstrating continued creative energy. The album is a reliable indicator that the band will stick to its established path of high-speed, classic thrash that will most likely satisfy their faithful audience.
Leave a Comment