Interview: Mercy

What do you get when a young man in Brazil falls in love with black metal thanks to their love for Vikings? It’s not a trick question. The proper answer is “quality Nordic-inspired black metal” (aka – Mercy). If you haven’t taken time to hear these guys yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s heavy, cold, dark, and rich, similar to how I take my iced coffee.

Image by Mercy

The Powers That Be, only Mercy’s second album released since their debut in 2013, was well worth the wait. Granted, we wish they would pick up the pace a little, especially if they make black metal this good. Convincing them that it’s worth not waiting until 2033 for the next release is a mission fans need to embrace immediately before the band takes another decade off to hibernate.

We had the privilege of interviewing Phillippe (guitars) of Mercy about the band’s history, the lapse between albums, and all the other things that come in-between.

Thanks for joining Blacforje for an interview! You guys are based in Brazil, right?

Hi Andrew! This is Phillippe, the guitarist and composer of Mercy, representing the band/project. We're grateful for the opportunity to speak with Blacforje. Thanks for having us!

Although we're Brazilian, we're actually spread out across the globe. Isaque has been living in Canada for years, while Daniel and I are based in Brazil. However, Daniel lived in Ireland for three years, and I'm planning to move to Europe next year.

What is the backstory about Mercy the band? When did you start, and what was the
inspiration for the project?

I started listening to metal, thanks to Isaque and Daniel, back when we were practically neighbors. Isaque was my guitar teacher when I was just 13 years old. The sound of black metal really caught my attention, especially since I've always been fascinated by medieval things, particularly Vikings. Once I discovered Scandinavian black metal, I couldn't stop listening.

The three of us, along with others, had a Death Metal band called Sabbatariam. Most members had other musical side-projects, and we all contributed to each other's projects, which is when Mercy emerged, around 2003. I had this idea to create black metal inspired by the bands I was listening to, and Daniel and Isaque supported me from the start.

I compose the music, record guitar and bass, program drums and keyboards, write lyrics, and arrange the vocals for Daniel to sing. Isaque contributes ideas, riffs, and arrangements. He also mixed and recorded bass for the 2003 single and the 2013 album. Daniel is responsible for the powerful growls and screams you hear in Mercy.

Image by Mercy

You recently released The Powers That Be, what I believe is your second full-length album.
Your first album, The Seven Signs, was released in 2015, correct. After an 8-year hiatus, what
brought you back into the studio to make a new record? 

The Seven Signs was actually released under the radar in 2013, exactly 10 years after the single. Some websites list the release date as 2015, but it was in 2013. I didn't think I'd be doing more with Mercy, but in 2021, Isaque told me, "Hey, we released the single in 2003 and the album in 2013. Mercy releases something every 10 years, so we need to do something in 2023. Get excited!" And that's basically why we released The Powers That Be now. [laughs]

I had already started composing for my new Metalcore project, IAMD (pronounced "I am D"), which will be released later this semester. Isaque and Daniel have Krig, a Death Metal band. Daniel and Marcão (something like "Big Marcos") have Aliens Purger, a grindcore band.

Going like that, you can probably expect something new from Mercy in 2033. [laughs]

I want to take a moment to give a big shoutout to Bruno Bassani, whom we were thrilled to bring on board during the project. Bruno was responsible for the album's mixing and post-production, delivering truly outstanding work. He dove head-first into the project and treated it as his own. Without Bruno's help, this new album wouldn't have achieved the level of quality it has.

What was the inspiration for writing The Powers That Be? Were there any specific
philosophical or spiritual things driving the creative process?

The instrumental part was heavily inspired by Scandinavian black metal and various artists who make Nordic folk music, such as Gåte, Valravn, Wardruna, and Heilung, among many others.

As for the lyrics, well, many black metal bands focus on occult, pagan, or even satanic themes. While I do listen to songs like that, it's not the kind of content I'd like to write. I believe there's room to create somewhat dark lyrics that fit the style without promoting anything harmful.

Since we're not lyricists, I decided to look for old public domain poems. So, the lyrics for The Powers That Be are based on selected poems, often by unknown authors, that have been modified to fit the context and rhythm of the songs.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe you guys are Christians. Can you tell us a little more
about your faith and how it informs your music as artists?

Yes, although not as much as before. Isaque remains steadfast and involved in his faith, while Daniel and I have somewhat drifted away, even though it's still part of our individual beliefs. Regardless, our upbringing was grounded in Christian principles that continue to make sense to all of us in some way. I think the primary influence of our faith can be seen in the way we crafted our lyrics, ensuring that they all have the potential to spark positive reflection.

Do you plan on playing live shows anytime soon? Any chance you’ll be coming to the United
States for a few dates?

Realistically, no. With Isaque in Canada, Daniel in Brazil, and me possibly in Europe, there's no real chance of that happening. I would love to visit the United States, but only as a tourist, and I'd probably stay away from the major urban centers.

What bands and artists have inspired Mercy? Is there a particular “vibe” you guys go for with
the aesthetic of the Mercy signature sound?

I mentioned some of them before, but we can expand on it. We can definitely list Opeth, Taake, Akhlys, Vader, Ihsahn, Naglfar, Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Enslaved, and Borknagar, to name a few. But there are several bands associated with the Christian scene that don't get the recognition they deserve. I'd like to mention a few here, for those interested: Antestor, Vaakavandring, Vardøger, Grave Declaration, Sanctifica, Crimson Moonlight, Renascent, Lengsel, and Flesh Killer - all amazing bands that don't lag behind the more popular ones.

In composing Mercy's songs, I always try to add riffs influenced by Nordic folk music. I don't know if it's evident to listeners, but I can personally close my eyes and imagine the frozen landscapes and Viking temples in Norway. I mix all of that together and aim for a fast, heavy, and aggressive sound. I believe good metal should be hard-hitting, and I was thrilled to read comments from people who enjoyed our music, saying they work out to Mercy's tunes. [laughs] That's a win.

Last question, but most important. Neymar or Ronaldinho?

[laughs] Great question, but we'll have to ask Isaque and Daniel to answer this one. When it comes to soccer, I know absolutely nothing. I don't know the rules, I'm not familiar with the players, no more than what I hear about them. But it seems to me that Ronaldinho played better as a team member than Neymar. I get the impression that Neymar gets injured all the time and wants the ball all to himself. I think Neymar needs to understand that he doesn't play alone.

And... congrats to me for ruining your question. [laughs]

Andrew, once again, thank you for the opportunity. It was a pleasure to talk with Blacforje. Keep up the great work. I hope the project continues to grow and brings good music to everyone.

You can follow Mercy on Bandcamp, Facebook, and Instagram.