Album Review: Body Count – Merciless (Sony/Century Media)

Inimitable and infamous, it’s Body Count, and the legendary metal band that is fronted by Ice-T, are back with their brand-new album, ‘Merciless’. Out on November 22nd, 2024, via Sony/Century Media.

The vibe of this record, one based in intensity as Body Count take a ‘merciless’ heavy approach, is on display from the start with an introductory piece called, Interrogation. As an album opener, especially a Body Count album opener, the picture created by it is very effective and anticipation for what follows is high. Happily, the title track delivers, and then some. Body Count drawing instrumental inspiration from a heavy Sabbath-style riff (Iron Man) and spitting out some serious lyrical aggression. There’s some significant guitar experimentation going on here too, but overall, it’s not Body Count moving out of their comfort zone.

The Purge (the film series) is the inspiration for Purge, a track that finds Body Count at their most dangerously manic sounding. Emphasised by the addition of George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher on guest vocals, because if there’s anyone who can deliver the sound of violence, it’s him. Although Fit for An Autopsy vocalist Joe Bad is more than capable of that too and helps make the track Psychopath one of the most aggressive sounding tracks of all. There’s some bullish instrumental parts here, with the riff that sits behind the sinister spitting of the title sounding particularly cool.

One third of the way through the album and it’s clear that this is a pissed off sounding Body Count. A Body Count that is still completely unafraid of sharply making their point and pulling zero punches. The lyrical content of Fuck What You Heard proves that unequivocally (Democrips and Bloodpublicans) and will speak to many who may have lost their way in politics.

A sharpness that continues into Live Forever, where a defiant stance in the face of inevitability serves to remind people that their voices never have to die. Stand up, speak out, and stay true to your beliefs. Here, a more melodic chorus is interesting, but when Howard Jones is involved, we all have nothing to worry about there.

So, what about the latter half of the record? How about a cover of the Pink Floyd classic, Comfortably Numb? Which isn’t just a very unique version (the lyrics are brilliant), but one that features Pink Floyd guitarist, David Gilmour. Or how about the legend that is Max Cavalera guesting on the explosive Drug Lords?

Then there is the pointed Do or Die which has Ice-T speaking about gun on gun violence – after all, if you’ve got gun, I’ve got a gun and if you shoot, I’ll shoot back. It’s neither pro or anti-gun, rather making an obvious point about the epidemic of gun violence in America and why it’s not likely to change anytime soon.

Finally, we have the most aggressive track of the album in the form of Lying Motherfuka, the intriguing World War, and the finale of Mic Contract, that just so happens to be 101 Body Count… in the best way possible.

It’s another Body Count banger of an album with some genuine career high points. Long may they find things to piss them off, which in this world, seems to be guaranteed.

Body Count – Merciless Track Listing:

1. Interrogation
2. Merciless
3. Purge (feat. George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher)
4. Psychopath (feat. Joe Bad)
5. Fuck What You Heard
6. Live Forever (feat. Howard Jones)
7. Do or Die
8. Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd Cover feat. David Gilmour)
9. Lying Motherfuka
10. Drug Lords (feat. Max Cavalera)
11. World War
12. Mic Contract

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