I don’t know if it was really a clever idea to put out this DVD. After an average sign of musical life last Autumn Swedish thrashers MERCILESS now even push a double DVD onto the market. Beside a live show recorded in May 2003 on the first DVD one will get some gimmicks on the second part.

Anyway, part one of this DVD does definitely not prove what the text on the booklet promises: a show Stockholm did not recover from until now. In fact cultivated boredom comes up really fast. First, because the band does not has to offer many convincing songs, which – by the way – sound very similar and second: the band seems to mistrust the stage construction, you cannot detect any movement. Singer Roger Pettersson seems to be the most agile one, while four-stringer Frederik Karlén at least bangs quite often. But Axeman Erik Wallin just shines with the well-done choice of his T-shirt (Voivod). Even the way to his amp was seemingly too exhausting, then his guitar sound was much too quiet. Ok, all jokes aside, but I really don’t understand, why they did not jazz up the mix afterwards. Anyway, only drummer Peter Stjärnvind (e.g. Entombed fame) was quite dynamic and spreads some enjoying playing. The setlist contains songs from all albums whereas the first and the last ones significantly come out on top.

On the second DVD there is also some live material to find, recorded at a place called Hulsfred, whereas the sound has bootleg character. On the other hand, stage-acting is much more pleasant. Between the tracks one will get some behind-the-stage-footage and a short interview, which does not convey any new insights. The guys look quite groggy from the activities the day before (?) but relaxed and friendly though. I like the fact that you can choose different languages as subtitles, that happens not often on music DVD’s. Further on there are to find to videos to Pure Hate (quite trashy but with cult charm) and Cold Eyes Of Grey (with live scenes). Moved imagery gets closed with a live shot to The Land I Used To Walk from 1999, followed by a biography and discography of MERCILESS.

All things considered Live Obsession is quite ok for a low-budget production. You can see that they took much effort. But substantial lacks in songwriting and less inspiring stage-acting massively constrict a higher rating. But it is surely a worthwhile purchasing for a fan.