Mercenary Biography 2011
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.
Behind the stage, however, deep creative and personal differences increased through the years, and they culminated when the drummer, the keyboardplayer and one of two singers left the band in late 2009. Joined by master drummer Morten Løwe, the band now counts the songwriting team of original member Jakob Mølbjerg (guitar) and mastershredder Martin Buus (leadguitar), as well as the versatile singer/bassist René Pedersen.
Rising from the ashes of the old lineup, the Mercenary of 2011 evolves and reshapes the band's trademark sound of combined clean and aggressive vocals with a new edge, displaying a catchy and fresh sound, as well as an newfound unity, ambition and musical focus within their ranks.
„I love this band; I love this album. Fans of Metal, Rock, Hardcore, Metalcore, Power Metal, Melodic Death Metal, and music in general should check this album out. Mercenary's Metamorphosis is a record that needs to be heard by the masses. Support this band!“
Matthew Kiichi Heafy/TRIVIUM
“Mercenary are a great band with powerful vocals and a very complete sound.”
Devin Townsend
„The new Mercenary album rocks! It has great melody and amazing aggression. Catchy riffs, vocal lines that go through concrete. It's the kind of record that really grows on you after a couple of listening sessions...I really like that about an album! Keep em coming!“
Jochem / Textures
"The new Mercenary songs sound heavier as before, but also definitely prettier than the old school stuff. René Pedersen’s voice is more versatile and thus Metamorphosis has become a dynamic document of a band that finally has a solid foundation."
Patrick Lamberts / AARDSCHOK NL
"Heavier vocals, faster hooklines, catchier melodies – impressively like phoenix from the ashes MERCENARY are back with Metamorphosis!
METAL HAMMER D, Katrin Riedl (6/7)
„Mercenary are back – and more than impressive! Only a few manage to combine melody and heaviness so brillantly as Mercenary do. „Metamorphosis“ unifies power and goose bumps. The metamorphosis has been successful!“
LEGACY D