MISTER MISERY

"Mister Misery" (AFM Records; 2024)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Ever wonder what Danny Elfman would sound like if he was born in Sweden rather than Los Angeles? Yeah, well, neither have I, but here comes the answer with Mister Mistery's third album, the self-titled "Mister Misery" (or "III." There seems to be some confusion over this album's title).

This album is twelve tracks of thrash-like guitars and drums, traded clean and growling vocals, symphonic-ish arrangements and themes and lyrics that roll out like the playful lyrics Elfman himself  is famous for. It's got that eerie, horror feel and the bombastic music makes for a perfect, if perhaps unexpected, delivery system.

Some of the production, mixing and perhaps engineering here had me raising my eyebrows, I must admit. Some of the tracks sounded too hot and maybe overly complex. Of course, that could just be my copy so it's not a big deal and, hey, I could just plain be wrong.

My favorite tracks were "Erzebet (The Countess)" which plays like a modern metal run-through of the Haunted Mansion, the demonic "Crooked Man" (which hits a lot of the Danny Elfman buttons) and the single, "The Doomsday Clock,"  a track that uses all of the band's abilities to their best effort.

Bottom line: If you're looking for some solid horror metal (and more), then "Mister Misery" might be just what you're looking for.

Mister Misery: Harley Vendetta - Vocals/Guitar; Alex Nine - Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals; Rizzy - Drums/Backup Vocals; Alex Alister - Bass/Backup Vocals.

For more information, check out https://mistermisery.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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