The leaflet that came along with this disc proudly states that Mesmerize is one of the most appreciated bands on the Italian classic metal scene; even so I have to admit I had never heard of Mesmerize before until now. For some odd reason I’m always extremely skeptical when dealing with an Italian metal act and I’m usually prepared for a disappointment. However, to my utmost surprise, this Italian quintet completely deviates from the Italian norm and standard. This isn’t your straightforward cliché-riddled fantasy metal; a sober front cover without the usual sword and sorcery appeal is already one huge step in the right direction. This is diverse metal with a lot of different influences instead.

Stainless opens with a few melodic metal tracks that are catchy with heavy riffing, good vocals and a crystal clear production (by no one less than Giovanni Spinotti known from Labÿrinth). Gradually however folk elements slip into the music as the album progresses; a Skyclad violin here and some excellent female vocals there.

Sure, at times you might wonder where you’ve heard a certain passage or melody before but it never becomes annoying. When you start to think the band is starting to settle on a certain sound, they switch into something fast and furious, only to calm down again with a more melodic passage. The huge amount of variety does it for me and keeps you hooked for a good long time.

Words are not enough to describe the music of Mesmerize, you need to experience this yourself. I would like to say Mesmerize has a bit of the fun factor of Magö De Oz, a bit of the folk factor of newer Skyclad and the intensity of your average classic heavy metal act. They have definitely succeeded in creating their own sound; a very welcome change when compared to most other Italian metal acts. Definite highlights of this release are “Princess Of The Wolves”, “Lure Of The Temptress” (what a goose bump-filled ride) and “Impossible Infinity”. Kudos to these Italians, I want to hear more!