The Awakening
Merciless · 1989
38 min · 12 tracks · death metal · thrash metal
Relentless thrashing guitars and guttural vocals create a harrowing descent into the depths of death metal's early landscape.
Why this album works
- Best for
- steady, consistent energy levels short, intense listening bursts dark, immersive atmospheres
- Context
- Released in 1989, The Awakening was Merciless' debut album, marking their entry into the Swedish death metal scene. At this time, the band was establishing its identity amidst the burgeoning death metal movement, which was gaining traction following the success of bands like Entombed and Dismember.
- If you like
- death metal, thrash metal
The Awakening is an album by Merciless, released in 1989. Relentless thrashing guitars and guttural vocals create a harrowing descent into the depths of death metal's early landscape. The Awakening is notable for its raw intensity and is recognized as an influential work in the Swedish death metal genre. It helped to solidify Merciless' presence in the underground scene, leading to subsequent tours and a growing fanbase, while also contributing to the wider acceptance of death metal in Europe during this era. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Awakening sound like?
Relentless thrashing guitars and guttural vocals create a harrowing descent into the depths of death metal's early landscape. Rooted in death metal and thrash metal.
What makes The Awakening by Merciless notable?
The Awakening is notable for its raw intensity and is recognized as an influential work in the Swedish death metal genre. It helped to solidify Merciless' presence in the underground scene, leading to subsequent tours and a growing fanbase, while also contributing to the wider acceptance of death metal in Europe during this era. Released in 1989, The Awakening was Merciless' debut album, marking their entry into the Swedish death metal scene. At this time, the band was establishing its identity amidst the burgeoning death metal movement, which was gaining traction following the success of bands like Entombed and Dismember.
Who is The Awakening for?
The Awakening works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, short, intense listening bursts and dark, immersive atmospheres.
How many songs are on The Awakening?
The Awakening has 12 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pure Hate Standout 3:28
- 2 Souls of the Dead Standout 2:59
- 3 The Awakening 3:10
- 4 Dreadful Fate 2:47
- 5 Realm of the Dark 3:52
- 6 Dying World Standout 4:18
- 7 Bestial Death 2:25
- 8 Denied Birth 4:01
- 9 Bestial Death (live) 2:20
- 10 The Awakening (live) 3:09
- 11 Nuclear Attack (live) 2:26
- 12 Pure Hate (live) 3:10
Release Date
January 1, 1989
Artist Origin
Sweden
Runtime
38 min 10 sec
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