First Breath

UK pressing. Emerging from the 90s as a mid-pace melodic death-thrash four piece, 2002 saw Mercenary taking a giant leap forward with the release of the album 'Everblack'. Formerly centered around songwriters Kral (bass/vocals) and Jakob (guitars), the band recruited additional heavymetal-style singer Mikkel Sandager and his brother Morten on keys - changing the band's sound drastically towards a new and rather unusual combination of melody and aggression. Taking a definite turn towards focusing on songwriting rather than riffing earned the band wide attention and praise, along with appearances at diverse festivals. After 'Everblack', the band recruited drummer Mike Park and leadguitarist Martin Buus, whose skills can be heard in the added energy on the newest release, '11 Dreams', produced by Jacob Hanson. The new material draws upon the members' widely different inspirations and personal musical backgrounds. Mercenary has taken their trademark expression even further. Karmageddon Media. 2006.