Review by Anna on June 16, 2009.

Though Misery has been around since 91, I can't say I've listened to them before. I suppose I have more... ahem, 'Black Metal' perspective on metal, which for those of you who dig this stuff may frown or cringe upon. Though this does not mean I'm not privy to or unable to appreciate what I, to myself, classify as "warm" or "hot" metal (as opposed to the "cold" sounds of black or otherwise 'depressive' metal. Perhaps this imagery will help: imagine the soundtrack of Satan reigning the underworld amidst fiery red/orange/yellow flames, versus the symphonies that accompany that iconic "cold" metal artwork where misty blacks, greys, purples, and blues dominate).

Now that this disclaimer has been made, if I had to describe Misery's sound in a few words, I would say something like: relatively catchy, even "groovy", blasphemous Death Metal, not of the technical, clicky sort, though well arranged and executed, complete with an undeniably apocalyptic, doomy soul. Neutral in feeling with a clean, mildly pleasant aftertaste. I would recommend "On Demon Wings" for likewise neutral activities such as household cleaning, cooking, or for relaxation and everyday activities in general. This stuff doesn't tend to stir the emotion in the slightest, where you find yourself biologically reacting, lightly bracing yourself in the form of a grimace or deeper than usual breathing, but it does stimulates the brain on a slightly more than superficial level. Lacking in eerie undertones, it can be enjoyed without overstimulation to the brain (where it starts to hurt a little, i.e. math metal. come on guys, I can't be the only one... feedback welcome) and none at all to the guts. If you're looking for a departure from Technical Death Metal with a slightly more "human" soul, an easy, perhaps more pleasant listen, Misery is a good choice. This album is also an excellent vacation for those of you who frequent the melancholy that underlies much of today's extreme metal. The heavy, full-sound is still there without being... miserable, as the band name implies.

Taken with a bar of chocolate and some excercise this formula should take some of the edge off of one's misery. The combined music and collaged visual imagery of the CD booklet gives me warm fuzzy feelings reminiscent of your chummy, perhaps unpretentious, laid-back local metal band, the sort you used to go to high school with, played with, or sat in on their practice drinking beer, making useless commentary in between songs, beer in hand. A heart-warming reminder that true metal still exists without the ego, attention to fashion, and VIP passes. Misery is not the show-offy, Guiness-book of world records sort in speed and technical skill, but that is not to say they are not precise or capable. They've got a bit more than a mechanical soul is all.

To summarize, "On Demon Wings" is down-to-earth, down-under Doomy Death Metal with excellent tone and variations in speed, and some scant guitar wails thrown in to jazz it up. With a good number of head-nodding riffs throughout, I can't say I was ever bored with this album at any point. I can see most people digging this on some level.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7
Originality: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.6 out of 10