EP Review: Märvel – Sanctemonium (Leather Lake Records)

One of the best rock bands in Europe, maybe even the world, Märvel return with a brand-new record, a five-track EP called ‘Sanctemonium’, released October 23rd via Leather Lake Records.

There’s a delightful spooky vibe to this new Märvel record, as though Halloween is right around the corner, and who better to cover at this time of the year than The Godfather of Shock Rock! It’s Alice Cooper and his iconic track, He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask). Which, for those who don’t know, served as the theme song for Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. How about that!

So, what do Märvel do with the track? A hell of a lot, giving it a rawer tone that fits their style, aided by special guest Olle Hedenström (Dead Lord, Kongh) on lead guitar. It’s super catchy and pays loving tribute to the original’s cheesy horror vibes.

I like it a lot but I’m here for Märvel’s original content and Alla Helgons Blodiga Natt (All Saints’ Bloody Night aka Halloween) is one for the party playlist. A groovy and danceable effort that is super accessible. It sits alongside Where Evil Grows, a more salacious effort with wicked harmonised vocals and grumbling bass. As well as A Beautiful Corpse, which fans of the band’s Brain Drain Diaries album will find familiar. I called it loud, anthemic, and smile-inducing in the review, and nothing has changed. It’s Märvel rock and roll gold.

Speaking of which, the EP then ends with Slasher with A Broken Heart, a brilliant slice of horror-laden silliness that is unbelievably infectious. The lyrical content is on point, and the vocals deliver them with power and poise, and no small amount of tongue in cheek humour. Backed up by a cacophony of finger snapping, foot tapping, and head banging instrumental excitably. I love it.

Still one of rock’s finest, Märvel continue their hot streak with another unmissable record.

Märvel – Sanctemonium Track Listing:

1. He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask) (Alice Cooper Cover)
2. Alla Helgons Blodiga Natt
3. Where Evil Grows
4. A Beautiful Corpse
5. Slasher with A Broken Heart

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