In my humble opinion Merciless, from Strängnäs (Sweden), is one of the finest and most underrated death/thrash bands! When it comes to intensity, aggression and speed, there’s almost no other album which can compete to their legendary debut The Awakening. It got released in 1990, where it happened to become the very first release on Euronymous’ then newly founded infamous label ‘Deathlike Silence Productions’.

Prior to their legendary death/thrash masterpiece, Merciless cut their teeth recording two demos, Behind the Black Door and Realm of the Dark, released respectively in 1987 and 1988. These two demos are important historical relics and a peephole into times long past by one of Sweden’s pioneering bands.

On this newest release from Darkness Shall Rise Productions we are presented with the two demos in chronological order. Thus, we’re starting with Behind The Black Door, which consists of following four tracks; “Total Destruction”, “Bestial Death”, “Satanic Slaughters” and self-titled “Behind the Black Door”. These four songs sound ever harsher and more raw than any of the later material released by the band. Another, I would say the most obvious, difference is that Kalle ‘Kåle’ Aurenius (1972 – 2017) is taking care of vocal duties here. In fact, this whole release is dedicated in memory of Kåle.

Second part of this compilation is named Realm of the Dark and it contains another four songs, recorded in 1988. Track listing for this demo looks like this; “Realm of the Dark”, “Souls of the Dead”, “Nuclear Attack” and “Dreadful Fate”. With all respect to Behind The Black Door demo, I think Realm Of The Dark is a clear step up for the band. The music itself, especially in the mix, sounds more powerful, violent, aggressive and punchier compared to the aforementioned predecessor.

Both demos on this compilation CD sound naturally raw and sincere, created with youthful enthusiasm in the late 1980s. Behind The Realms Of The Dark is a fantastic history lesson when it comes to Swedish thrash and early death metal. Apart from the obvious rawness and spitting hatred, these early recordings also have a definite charm that you otherwise rarely see nowdays. Where the original cuts may have lacked in proficiency and sound quality, is made up for this particular re-release by Patrick W. Engel at the ‘Temple of Disharmony studio’, where all eight songs have been carefully restored and remastered.

When I listen to this historically significant material, I think of the likes of Entombed, Sodom, Dismember, Kreator, Grave, Unleashed, Dark Angel etc. although I think it’s unfair to Merciless, as they were pioneers/leaders and not followers. What I can say with more certainty is that Behind The Realms Of The Dark is ‘a must have’ for old-school thrash & death metal worshippers.

For further info on this newly (re)released eight-tracker material visit https://mercilessdarknessshallrise.bandcamp.com/album/behind-the-realms-of-the-dark