SIREN – A Mercenary’s Fate (2022)

US metal band SIREN first formed in 1981 and released some singles and a couple of albums, then they split at the end of the decade. Fast forward 2018, and due the band’s cult status, especially in Europe, they were invited to perform at a prestigious festival in Germany. Their journey to regroup and perform was captured in the documentary film “I’m Too Old for This Sh*t! A Heavy Metal Fairy Tale” produced by Chris Jericho.
In 2020 Siren recorded a comeback album, and now 2022 they are releasing a new CD, “A Mercenary’s Fate“. This new album features a total eleven new songs in the melodic, traditional US metal style that the band has honed since first forming four + decades ago.
The title track of the album pays homage to their debut 7” single, “Metro-Mercenary” which was released in 1984. For the first time, the band worked with their long-time friend, legendary producer Jim Morris, who mixed and mastered the album at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, FL.

SIREN 2022 sound a bit more contemporary without neglecting old-school values. Doug Lee’s eccentric vocals immediately stand out and make it clear that he provides an important tool in terms of high recognition value.
Among the sharp riffs, there are also slight progressive notes on this album, however it is dominated by tracks that are very accessible and catchy-heavy. Melodies, heaviness and variety are balanced and that’s a good thing, because that doesn’t limit the audience, especially since it’s clear that some of the songs can reach significantly more fans.

There are sleek numbers like ‘City Of Lost Souls’, the fantastically catchy ‘Slaughterbots’ with a pronounced hit potential for a metal song, or the mega-jagged number called ‘One Man’s Fight’. The grandiose ‘Welcome To The Grave’ also has a high catchy tune potential and neatly integrates progressive as well as classic heavy elements.
Pushing forward is ‘Queen Of Sin’, which stands for pure US steel with melody. The title track is another highlight of the album, delivering all the classic SIREN trademarks and makes it clear the band still can write classic anthems.

Twist and turn it as you will, ‘A Mercenary’s Fate’ is a very strong album that is anything but an attempt to maintain SIREN’s status. On the contrary, with this album the band expands their horizon with a melodic delivery and a potential to appeal fans of other genres.
A mix of old-school US metal with a current sound and a melodic factor as main focus.
Highly Recommended

01 – Soul Breaker
02 – City of Lost Souls
03 – Dead Eyes Lying in the Rain
04 – Slaughterbots
05 – Queen of Sin
06 – A Mercenary’s Fate
07 – One Man’s Fight
08 – Revenge of the Bastards
09 – I Am the Wolf
10 – Welcome to the Grave
11 – Prologue to Redemption

Doug Lee – Vocals
Hal Dunn – Guitars
Todd Grubbs – Guitars
Ed Aborn – Drums
Gregg Culbertson – Bass

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