Search - Mercenary :: Hours That Remain (Bonus Dvd)

Best Mercenary yet, but still missing something.....

F. Costa | winter park, fl United States | 11/06/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good album. Scratch that, it's a really REALLY good album. But it's not great, amazing, or groundbreaking. The biggest change on this album from Mercenary's past releases is the absence of bassist/singer Henrik "Kral" Andersen (quit before album came out). In my own opinion, this is the best thing that has happened to this band. The songs on this album really feature lead singer Mikkel Sandager's great vocal range and delivery, providing numerous memorable hooks and some really tight harmonies, really pushing the singing aspect of this band to a new height.



And then of course there's the bad. Well, not so much the bad as much as the "under-realized". While the vocals on the album are great, the music can get rather "bleh". No real steps foward have been taken in the musical aspect from 11 Dreams, and I feel this album features at least 2, if not 3, throw away tracks. But again, it's not nessecarily a bad thing. The album drags in the middle, like many albums tend to, but the good eventually outshine the bad on this offering.



So, in conclusion, it's a 3.5, but on the high side, so I'll go with a 4. Recceomended listening: "Redefine Me", "My World Is Ending", "Soul Decision", "My Secret Window", "Hours That Remain""

Really good, but not spectacular

Scott Rodriguez | Lakewood, CO United States | 01/28/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I loved 11 Dreams. Well...I loved enough songs to buy it and enjoy it....and go back to it from time to time. Mercenry have a really fresh take on melodic death. They are, like others describe, a blend of Soilwork, COB, and Into Eternity...only they really have a unique take. They don't sound too copy cat like other bands.



Anyway...this new release is top notch production and great musicianship, but after a while, I am left feeling flat. Every song pretty much resembles every other one. If you listen to 1 or 2 songs, then you're like WHOA!...but if you like to listen to CD's all the way through or repeat listens, this CD loses something.



The clean vocals are very good. They are my favorite part along with the piano. My complaint is that the tempo of their songs are all the same...mid tempo. It might be nicer to see them slow things up, or get nastier...give the listener something unexpected.



All in all, I love the CD...it just feels like these guys have TONS of potential, but are just staying with what they know best. I would give this a 3.5 if I could...but I'm not quite at the 4 star range."