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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

(Mercenary)- "Architect of Lies"

Reviewed by:

Ishaan Kumar

Genre:
Melodic Death Metal/Power Metal
Country:
Denmark
Length:
52:49
Release Date:
March/24/08
Band Members: Mikkel Sandager - lead vocals Jakob Molberg - guitars
  Martin Buus Pedersen - guitars Rene Pedersen - bass, backing vocals
  Morten Sandager - keyboard Mike Park Nielsen - drums
     
Track Listing: 1.)-New Desire 04:57
9.)-I Am Lies 05:43
  2.)-Bloodsong 04:47
10.)-Public Failure Number One 05:00
  3.)-Embrace the Nothing 04:51  
  4.)- This Black and Endless Never 05:40  
  5.)-Isolation (The Loneliness in December) 06:03  
  6.)-The Endless Fall 05:08  
  7.)-Black and Hollow 04:50  
  8.)-Execution Style 05:50  

Review:

Throughout metal history there have been examples of 'fifth' albums being the change in musical direction for a band. e.g: Metallica's 'Metallica', Sepultura's 'Chaos A.D.', Children of Bodom's 'Are You Dead Yet?' and Sonata Arctica's 'Unia', amongst others. Some have a lost a certain band a large number of dedicated followers, while some have gathered newer legions of fans. But what surprises does a certain Danish band named Mercenary bring with its latest release 'Architect of Lies'? ***

Well, the 1st thing that one notices is the definite change of sound, but not to the point where the musical direction changes altogether. One noticeable change is the introduction of industrial keyboard effects amongst the trademark overdriven and symphonic tones. Ordinarily this would have weakened the emotional content of the music to the point of being called bastardization. But Morten Sandager has interwoven the modern with the archaic very deftly to actually RAISE the emotional content of the songs. The album starts with 'New Desire', a song that begins with very trademark Mercenary-esque crashing riffs amongst a keyboard atmosphere. But once the verse begins, one notices the bad side of the change of sound as well; the very alternative rock style verse riff. Mercenary have used this staccato-laced riffing style (characteristic of bands like Scar Symmetry and Disarmonia Mundi) on a few other songs on this album as well like the single 'Embrace the Nothing' and 'I Am Lies'.But thankfully, this album has the traditional Mercenary touch as well. And LOTS of it. The riff barrages continue, as do the low-end/high-end harmonic rhythms and of course the very intricate double bass and roll styles of drummer Mike Park. I also heard the 1st guitar-keyboard harmonic from this band on 'The Endless Fall'. ***

The fact that Mercenary hired a separate producer for vocals is evident but very one-sidedly i.e. in the clean vocals. Mercenary had 'pleasantly shocked' metal fans with their 3-layered singing/screaming/growling style on their 2004 release '11 Dreams' but alas, their attempts to replicate the same have gone in vain this time. Bass player Rene Pedersen may have the right tone and skill with his instrument, but is MILES away from the magic that former bassist/harsh vocalist Henrik 'Kral' Andersen created in the 1st 3 albums. On the other hand, lead vocalist Mikkel Sandager sounds better than ever before with the vocal harmonies and epic higher pitches. Guitarist Jakob Molberg and Martin Buus Pedersen also seem to have learnt a lot more shredding and have implemented it quite well here. Lyrically, the band has taken more of a political turn but the 'me against myself' lyrics still exist. ***

So, to answer the 1st question, Mercenary have chosen to play for the jackpot; if they get it right, it could make legends out of them, but one screw-up and they could lose a LOT of purist fans. This album has an epic/emotional sound, yes, but not one as powerful or consistent as 'Everblack', '11 Dreams' or 'The Hours that Remain'. But as far as the music is concerned, it remains highly enjoyable. Highlights of the album: 'New Desire', 'This Black and Endless Never', 'Isolation (The Loneliness in December)', 'Black and Hollow' and 'I Am Lies'.

 

 

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