Mercenary – Metamorphosis

Through the last decade Danish metallers Mercenary have been one of the most active and successful proponents of the rising Danish metal scene. In the course of releasing 5 studio albums, which earned the band increasing critical acclaim for their distinctive blend of aggression and big soaring melodies, the band earned a still wider international audience and dedicated fanbase.

Mercenary have toured actively as support for top metal acts like Megadeth, Arch Enemy, Nevermore, King Diamond, Death Angel and many more. They also performed a European headliner tour in 2007, and performed on most major metal festivals, such as Wacken (twice), Tuska, Metal Camp, Earthshaker, Inferno, Graspop, Dynamo, Summer Nights, Progpower Europe, and Progpower US (twice) and many more. Although Mercenary almost went into hiatus 2 years ago, they managed to resurrect and come up with a great, more or less, comeback.

Now, let’s cut to the chase. Mercenary is a peculiar, yet very interesting and talented, mix up of different musical genres and directions. The main ingredients of this strange combination are two pairs of different things; American new sound and melodies along with European power metal and proggressive metal elements. Mercenary are officialy a bridge across the Atlantic!

Their new record is called “Metamorphosis” and it contains every element that has made them popular throughout recent years, their skill to combine heaviness and melody. Concerning its content, the album thematise not only the very evolution of the band itself into the new incarnation, but also issues of personal change and the responsibility of the choices we make, the strength of will and personal resolve it takes to overcome existential obstacles and doubts, and the challenges of staying true and dedicated to personal values and beliefs. Musically, we are hearing a catchy and fresh sound combined with clean and aggressive vocals. All these elements are helped by a very powerful production by Danish producer Jacob Hansen. My favorites, even though they can be many more, “Through The Eyes Of The Devil”, “Memoria” and “The Black Brigade”.

The album is definetely one of the best heavy works that you’ll listen throughout the year. Thumbs up.