Album Review: Sanguis Mortem – Merry Doomsday (2026)
Tuesday 27th October 2026
Arriving early for the King Parrot gig at The 1865 was unplanned but welcoming for discovering a few new bands. Starting with the genre-blending mathcore from ZILF and a dose of spiritual punk/metal from C.O.G (Children of God) was already mood elevating. The night had us surprised by the south coast of England based Sanguis Mortem. The band members are in their teens, having formed the UK thrash/groove metal band in 2023 as schoolmates.
Aiden Smith (Bass), Nickolas Mieszkowski (guitars), Tadhg Pinheiro (vocals) and Oliver Bridle (drums) (photo: band website)
The band played an amazing set, so I felt that I had to buy their album. I have now a (signed) CD of “Merry Doomsday”. This full length album consists of 13 tracks and has been released on March 13, 2026.
After the eerie “Intro (War Is Hell)” the song “Parabellum” already put me to ease and surprised me at the same time. These young metal-heads really mean what they do. Old-school thrash aggression mixed with melodic vocals, harsh and smooth, a well blended combo. I feel they have been raised on Metallica, Paradise Lost and Sepultura. “Sportkill”, the third track could be on a Nailbomb album, as energy and angst blast trough the almost old-school punk tempo.
As young as they are, by just listening to these tracks I feel like they have been practising since age 5, as they handle the instruments way too professional. Many claim that Metal has no future but Sanguis Mortem is a perfect example that when the mighty bands like Metallica and/or Iron Maiden will slow down their touring, playing big festivals, the genre already has willing and very capable reinforcements.
“Tyrannus” and “Brotherhood” or even “(Im)balance of Power” are tracks on this album that you would expect to hear from well established bands with multiple records experience. Thick sound, produced to click perfectly with metal-heads that enjoy old and modern metal melodies and heavy breakdowns spiced with political lyrics.
“Burn the Crown”, a doom(ish) anthem, perfect for live gigs. Followed by “Divinity” are two tracks to show off the technical capabilities of these young musicians. Yes, vocals are also instrument in this example. The title track of this album, “Merry Doomsday” is the highlight of the 1 hour and 8 minutes album. Thrash maxed out, intense riffs and mental level drumming along the thick bass line.
Like an intermission intro “…Rising Tides Of Aggression” gently sets up the last 3 tracks. “Draconia” bursting like a rusty train into nothingness, “Still with Me” – the only slow-down on the album creates a metal ballad atmosphere with some amazing guitar licks. The final track “Hydrae Aeternitas” is closing a tight debut album, by real metal-heads for real fans of multiple sub-genres of Metal.
