MINDLESS SINNER – Metal Merchants

From their inception and first five song demo back in 1983, to their comeback album The New Messiah in 2015, Swedish metallers Mindless Sinner has stayed true to their NWOBHM roots. Four out of five members date back to 1984 or before, which is a testament to the band’s continuing friendships and a big plus to their continuity. The band is still lead by Magnus Danneblad on lead guitar, with Christer Göransson on vocals, Jerker Edman on lead guitar, Christer Carlson on the bass, and newest member Linus Melchiorsen playing  drums since 2022. Still going strong, the band offers us their newest creation: Mindless Sinner – Metal Merchants.

Lyrics

The lyrics to the title track feel pretty standard for a metal anthem, and break little new ground:

Blasting away in a thunderous power
I’ve been let loose like a demon from hell
Walking the line cause I’m hot on the wire
Now it’s the time, hear the chime of the bell

And the music was soaring, and the crowd kept on roaring
Take me to the stage in a firestorm

Metal, metal merchants
Metal, burning desire
Metal, metal merchants
Metal, flames getting higher

It’s not clear why the connection with fire, other than the tie in with “burning desire”, but overall, they are easy to sing along with, if a bit cliché.

Production

Christer Göransson’s vocals are excellent, and possibly even stronger on this album than on all previous efforts.  The twin guitars of Danneblad and Edman are top notch, and sound excellent. Christer Carlson’s bass is solid in an Ian Hill style that sticks to supporting the guitar riffs throughout. Melchiorsen’s drums are solid, though not flashy or over the top, playing an important supporting role in the rhythm section. Overall, the production quality may be their best to date.

Final Notes

Mindless Sinner – Metal Merchants is a solid album, that keeps the NWOBHM sound flying high, and strong. The band does not reinvent the wheel here, but they do a great job of keeping it shiny and strong. Standout tracks include “Speed Demon” with its Maiden-esque overtones, “Mountain of Om” with its cool acoustic guitar intro, harmony leads, and great vocals. Mindless Sinner have a strong album here, that’s fun to listen to, and keeps the 80s twin guitar style going strong. Definitely worth checking out.

Lineup

• Christer Göransson – vocals
• Magnus Danneblad – lead guitar
• Jerker Edman – lead guitar
• Christer Carlson – bass
• Linus Melchiorsen – drums

Metal Merchants – Tracklist

1. Speed Demon
2. Metal Merchants
3. Carry On
4. Third Time’s A Charm
5. Hedonia
6. Mountain of Om
7. Let’s Go Crazy
8. Believe in Me
9. Monsters
10. Storm of Steel
11. My Hometown
12. The Chosen One
13. A Madman is Crying

Check out the new video for “Metal Merchants” by Mindless Sinner off of their new album Metal Merchants.