Review by Kate on March 28, 2011.

In late 2009, the group Mercenary received a major blow when, for personal reasons, the lead singer, two of the guitarists and the drummer decided to part ways with the rest of the members. Most bands would decide to just call it quits but these guys refused to give up and instead evolved into something even better with bassist Rene Pederson now on vocals as well, Martin Lowe on drums, Jacob Molbjerg on guitar and Martin Buus on lead guitar the band shows their fans a fresh new sound in 2011.

Pederson shows his ability to combine melody and aggression with the album’s opener, 'Through The Eyes Of The Devil'. If anyone has any doubts about his abilities they should put them to rest, this frontman knows how to step up to the plate. As far as the rest of the band goes, Martin and Jacob are incredibly talented and versatile guitarists who supply an endless flow of melody while Martin’s capability on the drums flourishes on every track. If you ask me this change is so much for the better. 'The Follower' is a much more aggressive track than Mercenary has ever done before with an unlimited supply of Pederson’s brutality. 'Memoria' is one of my favorite tracks with incredible riffs that supports Rene’s amazing vocal techniques and carries plenty of melody. 'Velvet Lies' is a little softer than the other tracks but very catchy and shows how versatile the guys of Mercenary really are. 'The Black Brigade' is a great closer with great guitar work supplied by Martin and Jacob that brings a very old school 80’s metal vibe to it. But wait, that is not really the end! The bonus track 'Incorporate Your Demons' is loaded with viciousness supplied by Rene and powerful chorus. Nice surprise for you at the end!

"Metamorphosis" is a solid album from start to finish leaving you with a sense of excitement for what’s in store. These guys still have plenty great ideas and I for one can’t wait to see!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.0
Production: 8.0
Originality: 9.0
Overall: 9.0

Rating: 8.7 out of 10

Review by JD on March 11, 2011.

Denmark has brought out many bands that have been more than just amazing, none as so amazing as the band known as Mercenary. They have been one of the leading Melodic Death Metal bands around. Albums like the powerfully written "11 Dreams" and the explosive "The Hours That Remain" are benchmarks in their career. Now with the release of "Metamorphosis" - it is an apt title for how the band has battled back from losing a few members, upheavals galore and a time away to reflect on things.

Ten gigantic songs prove that the band has fully returned, and is now better than ever. From the growing and shifting fury of 'Through The Eyes Of The Devil' right through to the stellar bonus track 'Incorporate Your Demons' - one solid reality goes through every track this CD has. This is exactly the way Death Metal is suppose to be done. Each song is crafted with brilliance, having melody playing with heaviness, while propelling them to their next evolution stage.

Changes in line ups and internal troubles that happen in a groups day to day operation can spell a band’s death. I was glad that did not happen to Mercenary. They were always a band that was head and shoulders over most of the competition... now they are standing on their bloody carcasses in victory. Mercenary have turned the corner, coming out of the shadows of the unknown factors in their lives and have become the band that they have had the capability to be all along. World domination will follow, I guess.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9
Originality: 9
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.3 out of 10