The Mercy House Review / Interview

One of the most impressive bands we have seen live recently, The Mercy House certainly have something a bit special about them. The band have been in existence for a year and a bit and already they have been causing ripples in the resurgent UK classic rock scene. In that time they have won Metal Hammer's Unsigned competition, had one of their tracks featured on Classic Rock magazine's cover CD, and most recently won the Kerrang Guitar Hero competition.

We first came across the band on a recent trip to Birmingham (where they were supporting the always impressive Furyon) and we couldn't help but get drawn in by their heavy riffing rock'n'roll. The band had a sound and presence that filled the tiny stage and clearly showed that they are ready for bigger things.

The band play straight up anthemic stadium-esque rock, Think of Judas Priest at their darkest and heaviest mixed with a touch of Queensryche and you will get some idea of the musical territory this band operates in. They also have one of the best frontmen we have heard recently, in fact even although the sound at this particular gig wasn't brilliant it was still apparent that Drew has some voice, he is a proper singer with an impressive range who also looks the part.

After the gig we got hold of the band's EP and we are happy to report that it doesn't disappoint on the promises made by the live show. The opening track Greed is a fine example of down-tempo heavy metal. The production perfectly suits the band's style and they resist the temptation to overcomplicate matters.

The second of the three tracks on offer is Lead The Way, which starts off with Drew showing a different more melodic side to his voice. In places it reminds me more than a bit of Geoff Tate which for any fan of 'proper' rock is no bad thing at all. This is a track that varies between fairly standard rock ballad and full on power metal and, for us, this track is the highlight of the E.P.

The E.P. closes with Inversions, a heavy progressive metal track which is just made for radio airplay. Here again the band vary the pace and feel as Drew and lead guitarist Dan really let rip.

The Mercy House are yet another great UK rock band working hard and waiting to get a lucky break. Like so many of their peers the band have the ability, the songs and the presence to make it on to bigger things. Now all they need is the luck.

As always we were keen to find out more about this exciting new band so we fired some questions off to Drew, and here's what he had to say...

How did The Mercy House first get together?

We all met through mutual friends basically. Having a desire to do something based in rock but with a darker side put us in our own little niche at the time, so I guess it made it slightly easier to spot the right guys for The Mercy House.

How would you describe the music you play?

Dark, twisted...menacing perhaps

Who would you say were your major influences?

We all have very different influences, the rhythm section comes from a jazzy/hip hop background, think cypress hill but still retaining a heavy element present in bands like life of agony. The heavy riffs and twisted guitar melodies coming from dany and dan our influenced by bands such as Alice in Chains, Korn, Rage against the Machine. Vocally I'm mainly influenced by rock like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, really expressive and dynamic vocals.

There are a lot of really good unsigned 'proper rock' bands around at the moment. Is it a good time to be doing what you do?

It would seem so, though I think the scene is still waiting for that one 'breakthrough' act who can bring rock and metal back into the mainstream.

Everyone seems to like the new EP. Are you happy with the reception it has received?

So far yes, you cannot please everyone but we've been blown away by all the exposure and positivity we've received from just our bedroom demo's. The media have been great to us so far.

How are the songwriting duties split, it it a collaborative effort or do you have a 'main' music writer and lyricist?

We all have roles within the songwriting process. I write a lot of lyrics but normally someone brings in an idea, we fight for 5 hours and pop! There's a song sitting there! Everyone would have to take credit for it as all our stuff we feel has come out sounding a bit 'different'.

The band has an impressive stage presence, you all having fun up there on stage?

I think what fuels us most is making a statement and grabbing the audiences attention. We're not a showy band if you know what I mean, I guess we just try to keep it visceral and honest...Sometimes we'll explode, sometimes maybe not so much; but what you see is what you get. Most of the material is quite personal to me on a lyrical level so I guess I just focus on that.

What have been the highlights of the band's journey so far?

I think winning metal hammers contest to support biohazard was amazing. But our recent victory in getting Greed onto the cureent Guitar hero: Warriors of Rock game is undoubtedly the biggest highlight!

If you could go out on the road with any of the big bands of today, who would you choose?

Ah this is a tough one as we're all quite different in taste...I saw G'n'R last week at the O2, that was incredible so they'd be high up the list. Maybe Soundgarden when they tour.

What are the plans for the future?

We are currently recording the album and planning music videos and everything for next year. Basically a total onslaught on the publics senses! Coupling that with extensive touring and promotion its gonna be a pretty crazy 2011!

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