For all of the cult ’80s metal bands the traditional metal trendies (AKA the Hell’s Heroes crowd) have latched onto, I’m surprised Mindless Sinner aren’t amongst them. Seriously, here in the States, I’ll utter their name in conversation, only to be met by crickets, which is odd. The Master of Evil EP (1983) gave the tail end of the NWOBHM a serious run for its money, and Turn On the Power (1986) is an undisputed melodic metal masterpiece. Hell, even their post-reunion output has been ridiculously strong. Look no further than our review of their last outing, Poltergeist.
Unmoved by how they’re perceived by the headbanging masses, Mindless Sinner continues to bring the steel like it’s 1986 on their latest album, the aptly titled Metal Merchants. Although classic drummer Tommy Johansson has since departed, replaced by Linus Melchiorsen, the rest of the lineup remains the same, 4/5ths original, which is nothing short of impressive in an era where glorified tribute bands are touring under storied monikers. With their core lineup largely intact and penchant for all things old school stronger than ever, Mindless Sinner absolutely blazes through this non-stop traditional metal rampage.
Just as Poltergeist hooked us in from the very start, Metal Merchants does the same, unleashing some high speed euro metal mania with the invigorating “Speed Demon”. Emboldened by its glorious melodies and singalong chorus, it sets the stage for an album that, while largely adhering to the same formula, remains enjoyable nevertheless. Cuts like the title track, “Carry On”, and “Let’s Go Crazy” sound straight off of Turn On the Power, toeing the line between melodic grace and metallic force. I can only assume that bands like Enforcer and Cauldron must’ve spent their wasted youths studying Mindless Sinner alongside the usual fare of Priest, Maiden, Saxon, and so forth.
Speaking of Saxon, one can’t help but notice the similarity to the English metal warhorse on powerfully inclined cuts like “Mountain of Om” and “Believe in Me”. It’s not so much an instance of Mindless Sinner trying to sound like Saxon, as much as its an instance of two tried and true traditional metal bands who, in their later years, veered off into the Valhalla that is euro power metal from time to time. Speaking of euro flavors, the exotic guitar lines on cuts like “Third Time’s a Charm”, “Hedonia”, and “My Hometown” are so Uli Jon Roth-eque that I could practically feel myself ascending, and I’m a damn Yankee!
Three albums into their reunion jaunt and Mindless Sinner continue to sprint their way through a victory lap. This isn’t a band of tired and bloated veterans, quick to rest on their past glories and assume the listener will lap up this album based off the moniker alone. No, these are true Metal Merchants, coming off as invigorated and hungry in 2024 as they did in 1984. If this review even gets one fellow American talking about unsung Swedes, then my work here is done…that is until tomorrow.
7 out of 10
Label: High Roller Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Saxon, Riot, Axewitch
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