MERCENARY: Entire New Album Available For Streaming

"Metamorphosis", the sixth album from Danish melodic death metallers MERCENARY, is available for streaming in its entirety at Metal-Hammer.de. Due on March 29 via Prosthetic Records, the North American version of the CD will feature the exclusive bonus track, "Incorporate Your Demons".

"Metamorphosis" will be made available in Europe on February 25 via NoiseArt Records. The CD was produced by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, VOLBEAT, NIGHTRAGE, HATESPHERE, PYRAMAZE).

A track-by-track breakdown of the album by singer René Pedersen and guitarist Jakob Mølbjerg can be found at this location.

"Metamorphosis", track listing:

01. Through The Eyes Of The Devil
02. The Follower
03. In A River Of Madness
04. Memoria
05. Velvet Lies
06. In Bloodred Shades
07. Shades Of Grey
08. On The Edge Of Sanity
09. Black Brigade

A review of "Metamorphosis" by TRIVIUM frontman Matt Heafy can be found at this location.

Regarding the CD's cover artwork (see below),MERCENARY states, "There's, of course, a lot of obvious (and indeed slightly cheesy) self-referential symbolism regarding the rebirth of the band in the cover artwork. But apart from that we felt that the motive of a phoenix was a really fitting expression of many of René's [Pedersen] lyrical themes on the album, as they deal with personal and existential crisis, overcoming personal obstacles and how we can sometimes redefine ourselves in the process of taking responsibility for altering the conditions of our very lives. This idea of personal freedom can be a very frightening thought for some, but it's actually a message of hope and optimism — we can always take control of our lives and free ourselves of inner or outer constraints, or at least take pride in the struggle to do so. (Okay, dropping all the intellectual pretense, we just liked the artwork because it was freaking bird on fire — how cool is that!?)

"On a serious note, though, we also felt that a simple, raw and iconic visual theme would support the musical direction of the new album. We feel that the songs are our strongest ever, they're no-bullshit, focused and straight to the point, and our good friend Don G really nailed these concepts with his artwork.

"Finally, we have also been searching for a new logo for many years (also before the recent changes in lineup) but we never felt that we found a good enough alternative until now. With the direction of the new lineup and the new album, we not only felt that we had as good an occasion as any, but we also really liked the idea of a less polished, more raw logo which could reflect the changes in musical expression."

According to a press release, "the new incarnation of MERCENARY displays a newfound musical focus, appetite and maturity, and while the material is now heavier and faster, it still features the characteristic clean vocals, catchy choruses and atmospheric keyboards and samples. (Keyboards provided by guest musician Kim Olesen of ANUBIS GATE)."

MERCENARY in January 2010 announced the addition of drummer Morten Løwe Sørensen (THE ARCANE ORDER, SUBMISSION, SLUGS) to the group's ranks. The band has also revealed that all lead vocals going forward will be handled by MERCENARY bassist/vocalist René Pedersen following the departure of singer Mikkel Sandager. The group said, "As everybody who has seen us live in the last couple of years is fully aware of, René is a real powerhouse, and he has so much more under his belt than he got to display on the previous album."

MERCENARY 2011 is:

Jakob Mølbjerg - Guitar
René Pedersen - Bass, Vocals
Martin Buus - Lead Guitar
Morten Løwe Sørensen - Drums