Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Mother Misery - "For the Crows" - Daredevil Records - 2006

Track Listing1. My soul 2. Take a good look 3. I will never learn 4. For the crows 5. Pray for them pigs

These Swedish rockers really caught my ear a couple years ago with the 2004 release "grandiosity", so I had high hopes that the 5-song Mother Misery release from their new label Daredevil Records wasn't just some cheap release to pass time between full-lengths. I wasn't disappointed one bit, since the same working class hard rock mentality is there as solid as a stone.

"For the Crows" is as comparatively good as the songs on the prior release with no loss in the song standards they set down before. Like a good AC\DC record, Mother Misery gives more than what we expect and more than what we deserve with gems of simple knowledge.

"Sometimes, I can't remember what I live for \ And sometimes I forget to live it up more"

The starter "My Soul" is fairly similar to the "grandiosity" opener "My Enemy", a caustic affirmation of independence; a metalhead familiar. Other tunes have a hooked sound, with plenty of crash and bash to keep the party up. "Take A Good Look" is a bit too commonplace with its lyrics ("the truth lies inside the mirror, so take a good look at yourself"), but "I Will Never Learn" has the great quality of being upbeat with downer lines and in fact, inspired me into making a new drinking game. The title track blazes as one of their fastest numbers and "Pray for Them Pigs" rounds the CD out with a tough mood similar to the first.

The only real thing not on the CD is the slower songs that show off their ability to incorporate simple dynamics and space to create mood, but given it's only 5 songs "For the Crows" is consistent with what it's providing.

For fans of catchy, riff-based guitar rock, Mother Misery makes it look natural. They are one of the coolest rock bands on the scene today!


--Nailer 04.22.06