Mercenary – Metamorphosis

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It would be a bit much to say that Mercenary’s sixth album Metamorphosis was highly anticipated; more like anxiously expected. Having parted ways from the brothers Mikkel and Morten Sandager, vocalist and keyboardist respectively, as well as drummer Mike Nielsen, it seemed like Mercenary might indeed be over. Certainly, Mercenary as we knew it was no more, with expectations that Metamorphosis would live up to its name. To be fair to the Danes though, there has been a gradual stylistic shift over the last few years, with new singer René Pedersen having already provided some more metalcore-esque vocals on 2008′s Architect of Lies. However whilst that album still focused more on clean vocals, Metamorphosis focuses a lot more on René’s harsher voice. This is obviously a bit off-putting, especially as most Mercenary fans were originally drawn to the band’s soulful and powerful lead singer. René does provide some clean vocals as well, but in comparison to his predecessor he is simply second rate, lacking the immense emotional depth which Mikkel Sandager was capable of. That all being said, the music itself is still clearly Mercenary and carries the band’s trademark style – sweeping keyboards, big melodies and heavy guitars. In places the band sound larger and more epic in scope than their last two albums as well – In A River of Madness nearing symphonic black metal territory at one point. The trouble is, it’s not quite up to their former albums – single The Follower might have a decent melody for example, but Firesoul it really isn’t. Also, the album’s softer moments really do feel at a loss without the immense vocal talents of Mikkel, Rene just not managing to give the band’s sound the right final touch. That’s probably the biggest problem with Metamorphosis; standing on its own this is a fine melodeath album with a bit of a metalcore touch (hardly rare for a melodeath band). However, when compared to the works of the band on albums such as Eleven Dreams, with its incredibly unique sound, it pales in comparison. Mercenary might just be a band crippled by its own legacy.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Death Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Mercenary