Merciless | Behind The Realms Of The Dark | Darkness Shall Rise Productions

 

    Merciless is one of Sweden’s earliest and most influential death/thrash metal bands. Formed in 1986 in Strängnäs, the group quickly built a name in the underground through intense demo tapes and live performances. In 1990, their debut album, “The Awakening” became the first release on Euronymous’ notorious Deathlike Silence Productions, cementing Merciless' place in extreme metal history. Before reaching that milestone, the band released two demos—“Behind The Black Door” in 1987 and “Realm Of The Dark” in 1988—which captured their early style and aggressive energy. These recordings, though primitive, are now recognized as vital steps in the formation of Swedish death and thrash metal.

The material from the “Behind The Black Door” demo (tracks 1–4) captures a band still forming its identity but already filled with energy and hunger. There’s a strong influence from early German and American thrash, with fast tempos and furious delivery. The second demo, “Realm Of The Dark” (tracks 5–8), shows clearer structure and more confidence. The songwriting becomes tighter, and the performances more consistent. While the sound is not as sharp as later studio albums, the intensity is strong and easy to feel. The remastering done by Patrick W. Engel improves the listening experience without taking away the primitive charm of the original recordings.

This release is not just a look back but a valuable document of a band helping shape an entire scene. Merciless stood alongside early acts like Morbid and Obscurity, helping to build what would become the Swedish death metal sound. The 32-page booklet adds value to the release, with rare photos and an in-depth interview with guitarist Erik Wallin, giving fans context and memories from a time when this music was still underground and dangerous.

“Behind The Realms Of The Dark” is recommended for anyone interested in the roots of extreme metal in Scandinavia. It's not about perfect production or technical precision—it’s about attitude, spirit, and the energy of a young band hungry to be heard. Although not a fanatic of demo releases, this is a monument.

Score: 9.0