If you want to listen to an album with a thunderous might, you definitely need to listen to Yersin’s The Scythe Is Remorseless as this has the speed, harshness, delivery and intensity you would expect from an album that has mixed Crust, Thrash and Grindcore in a very amazing amalgamum that almost feels like one swift strike of death’s scythe. They achieve this in a way that will leave you speechless, almost as if it takes over, not able to help it as it commands you to just start stomping your feet or headbanging.
Yersin is a band hailing from Sunderland, UK. The band started as a four-piece back in 2015, but have been operating as a three-piece since 2019. This is their second album and everything, from the sound to the cover art, is pure perfection. Talking about the cover, it almost reminds me of an illustration by Albrecht Dürer called “Knight, Death and the Devil” and that to me just sealed the deal, in the most badass kind of way. I can almost picture death chasing and ready to strike while listening to this album.
There are seven tracks on this album, there’s no respite as the tracks hold on to the intensity from the previous one, which is like a surge of energy that keeps on flowing for the entire duration of The Scythe Is Remorseless. The opening track, “Triumphant”, starts with this type of Dungeon Synth track that is just creating a very gloomy atmosphere. It’s just a brief moment and then the sound punches you when you least expect it to. Just a few seconds to catch your breath before the vocals and the heavy riffs just hit. My favourite track from this album would definitely be “The Scythe Is Remorseless” as the drums start and are immediately cut by those fiery riffs, slowing things down for a bit but don’t let it fool you, as this pace will not last long. The drums are relentless and fast after the middle of the song, like hearing death galloping on its horse right behind you. These are only matched on the delivery by the solos and then switching to those breakdown parts that just make you want to get up and start your own mosh pit action.
Overall, this album has all that any fan of heavy, fast, unforgiving riffs wants, with vocals and drums that match the delivery and intensity of one another. Whether you grew up listening to Grindcore, Thrash and Crust or if you’re a new fan of these genres, you will definitely not be disappointed. The Scythe Is Remorseless is a really fantastic album, from start to finish. If this is your first time listening to Yersin, it’s a great introduction to this band but also, do yourself a favour and check out all of their previous releases. This record surely gives 2024 a great start.
