Mercenary
Formed: 1991
From:
Alborg,
Denmark
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Mercenary News
Below is our complete Mercenary news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 61 - 80 of 97 1 2 3 4 5 Last
Mercenary Frontman Discusses New Album
Vocalist Mikkel Sandager of the Danish metal band MERCENARY has issued the following update:
"So now we have the finished the new album and it is fucking killer!! The best one we did yet, in my honest oppinion. It is much more raw and to the point and still it has the best melodies we have ever written."
"We changed the title of the album recently so any hint I made before referring to the title was architectual lies. Sorry, but it wasn't intended."
"The album will contain over 60 minutes of kick-ass tracks."
"Damn, I am so much looking forward to getting out there and play all of this live." More...
Mercenary Start Merchandise Clearance Sale
Denmark's MERCENARY are currently clearing out their online webshop. Buy any three items, pay for two. The offer is good for the entire month of December. Go to this location for details.
Mercenary Sign With 3rd Tsunami Agency
Danish bashers MERCENARY have issued the following update:
"It's a pleasure to announce that from now on 3rd Tsunami Agency, who also represents such great artists as VOLBEAT, RAUNCHY and MNEMIC, will be handling all future booking for Mercenary in Denmark."
"In other news, Mercenary features the front cover of the November edition of the Danish music magazine, Musikeren, in connection with an article about the current state of the Danish metal scene written by Mercenary's very own guitarist Jakob."
"Check out the November edition of Musikeren here (Danish only)."
Mercenary Vocalist Issues Recording Update
Vocalist Mikkel Sandager of the Danish metallers MERCENARY has issued the following update:
"Right now I have finished my third day of recording the vocals for the next MERCENARY album.
"As always, it is very very exciting to be allowed to make the vocals for such talented made music. They have done it again, I truly believe. But as always, it is seriously hard work.
"After the first three days I have completed the clean parts for four songs... so only seven to go!
"I am really looking forward to hearing the finished result as I am doing all my tracking to drums and guitar tracks only.
"Gotta go, boys and girls... 10 hours of recording takes its toll."
"The Hours That Remain" entered the national album chart in Denmark at position No. 67. The follow-up to 2004's "11 Dreams" was produced by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, COMMUNIC, MAROON, HATESPHERE) and features artwork by Travis Smith (DEATH, KATATONIA, OPETH). Guest musicians on the CD include SOILWORK's Björn "Speed" Strid and HEAVEN SHALL BURN's Marcus Bischoff.
Mercenary Begin Work On New Album
Danish metallers MERCENARY have issued the following update:
"This weekend MERCENARY entered Jacob Hansen's studio in Ribe to record the follow-up to 'The Hours That Remain'. The following week drums and guitars will be recorded, after which keyboards, vocals and bass will be tracked. The album is set for a late March 2008 release."
"The Hours That Remain" entered the national album chart in Denmark at position No. 67. The follow-up to 2004's "11 Dreams" was produced by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, COMMUNIC, MAROON, HATESPHERE) and features artwork by Travis Smith (DEATH, KATATONIA, OPETH). Guest musicians on the CD include SOILWORK's Björn "Speed" Strid and HEAVEN SHALL BURN's Marcus Bischoff.
Mercenary To Enter Studio In October
Vocalist Mikkel Sandager of the Danish metallers MERCENARY has issued the following update:
"Well, first of all, the new album is really progressing rapidly. We are in writing mode and it feels really good to be creative again. I guess I didn't realize how much I had piled up inside because I find myself writing and writing.
"Can't comment on any titles or songs yet but I am really exited about everything I have heard so far. It is going to be very nice to have René [Pedersen; bass/vocals] in the process as well as he is able to give us the harsh vocals that I couldn't do on 'The Hours That Remain'.
"On another note, I am starting to look very much forward to playing the next show. I guess I have become quite addicted to doing shows and I feel pretty strange to not play any for two or three months.
"We will start recording the new album in late October and hope for a spring 2008 release but no date has been set yet." More...
Darkane Confirmed For ProgPower Scandinavia
DARKANE and MACHINE MEN have been confirmed for the ProgPower Scandinavia festival, set to take place November 9-10, 2007 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
More...
Mercenary Post ‘My World is Ending’ Video Online
MERCENARY’s new video for the track ‘My World is Ending’ is now online and can be viewed here. For the TV debut, check out the MERCENARY hosted special edition of Headbangers Ball on Danish MTV on April 19, with a full interview and more. More...
Bang Your Head Festival Line Up Announced
The Bang Your Head festival has confirmed the following bands:
Edguy
Nazareth
Finntroll
Thunder
Brainstorm
Mercenary
Mystic Prophecy
The Bang Your Head festival is a 2 day music festival that takes place in Balingen, Germany. The festival has been in exisistance since 1996.
Mercenary Nominated for 4 Danish Metal Awards
Mercenary have been nominated for 4 awards at this years Danish Metal Awards in the following catagories:
Best Album
Best Song
Best Artwork
Best Production
Mercenary will also be performing a short set at the awards show which will take place November 18 at Amager Bio in Copenhagen with In Flames headlining. Mercenary have also been confirmed to take part in 2007’s Bang Your Head Festival.
Info Released On New Mercenary Album
A new MERCENARY album, "The Hours that Remain", has been in the works for the last 6 months, and will be released on August 21.
Click here to download an MP3 version of the new track 'Soul Decision' featuring Marcus from HEAVEN SHALL BURN, or click here to launch a new ECARD featuring 4 new songs, DVD-preview and more.
Album details:
- Produced by Jacob Hansen
- Artwork by Travis Smith
- Features guest vocals by Björn from SOILWORK and Marcus from HEAVEN SHALL BURN
New Mercenary Song Streaming, More Album Details
Mercenary are gearing up for their August 22, 2006 release of "The Hours That Remain" through Century Media Records. You can check out a new song “Soul Decision” streamed online here.
Like its predecessor, The Hours That Remain was recorded and mixed by Jacob Hansen (Communic, Hatesphere) and is visually refined by brilliant artwork created by Travis Smith (Katatonia, Opeth). The new album features guest vocals by Soilwork’s Björn “Speed” Strid and Heaven Shall Burn’s Marcus Bischoff and is the first
"The Hours That Remain" will be available in two different formats: Standard jewel case CD and limited edition CD+DVD containing an exclusive bonus DVD filled with 120 minutes “Making of” documentary and live footage.
The Hours That Remain will contain the following tracks: More...
Mercenary Set Release Date, Announce Bass Player
Denmark’s MERCENARY, having just wrapped up mixing their August 22 release, The Hours That Remain, with producer Jacob Hansen (Maroon, Hatesphere), who worked with the band on 11 Dreams, have finalized its tracklisting. Clocking in at just over one hour, vocalist Mikkel Sandager commented on the album, “We made what we feel is the most powerful album in the band’s history. Both the writing and the recording processes have really made us a stronger band as we faced quite a few challenges along the way. We can’t wait for people to check out the new stuff, and look forward to playing it all live.” The Hours That Remain will be packaged with beautiful artwork by Travis Smith (Nevermore, Opeth).
Additionally MERCENARY have welcomed bass player René Pedersen, an active performer from Denmark’s Transparent, as their new bass player. Pedersen’s live debut will be this weekend at The Sägfestival in Greding, Germany. Speaking for the band Sandager said, “We are confident that René fits the bill perfectly, both as a musician and as a person. We have been rehearsing with him through the last month, and he is really kicking ass!” This will also be fan’s first opportunity to witness material from The Hours That Remain live. The band will then appear at Germany’s Rock Hard Festival, June 2, before joining King Diamond’s spring tour, complete dates here. MERCENARY have also been confirmed for September’s ProgPower USA VII and ProgPower Europe.
The Hours That Remain will contain the following tracks:
1. Redefine Me
2. Year Of The Plague
3. My World Is Ending
4. This Eternal Instant
5. Lost Reality
6. Soul Decision
7. Simplicity Demand
8. Obscure Indiscretion
9. My Secret Window
10. The Hours That Remain
All-Star Performance, Bands For ProgPower USA VII
ProgPower USA promoter Glenn Harveston has confirmed that there will be a very special "all-star" performance led by vocalist Jorn Lande during his headline set at ProgPower USA this year.
Confirmed thus far to join Lande on stage are Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, ex-Savatage), Lance King (Pyramaze), Michele Luppi (Vision Divine), Pasi Rantanen (Thunderstone), Mikkel Sandager (Mercenary), Michael Eriksen (Circus Maximus), and Mattias "IA" Eklundh (Freak Kitchen). Other participants will be announced at a later time.
Along with Lande, Swedish progressive/power metal band Evergrey will headline the two-day festival, performing a worldwide exclusive set featuring the Evergrey choir and the Poulenc String Quartet from Atlanta.
Lande and Evergrey will be joined by German power metal band Savage Circus, Dutch symphonic metal band Epica, Pyramaze, Wastefall, Sweden’s Freak Kitchen, Finland’s Thunderstone, Italy’s Vision Divine, and Denmark’s Mercenary, who is returning to ProgPower due to overwhelming popularity at ProgPower IV.
ProgPower USA VII will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16 at Earthlink Live in Atlanta. A very limited number of tickets are available via progpowerusa.com.
Mercenary Wrapping Up Recording Of New Album
Mercenary are currently wrapping up recordings of their as yet untitled 2006 album. Vocalist Mikkel Sandagar commented, “During the past four months, we have been writing the follow-up to 11 Dreams. We put together an amazing and diverse banquet, and so far it sounds better than we had ever expected. We were very well prepared for the studio this time, and it paid off. Mike (Park drums) laid down the drum tracks (with a broken leg 4 weeks in the mending) and then we recorded the rhythm guitars. I recorded all the vocal parts (for those who don’t already know founding member ‘Kral’ Andersen [vocals and bass] left the band prior these recordings) in 11 days, during which the keyboards were recorded. So all in all the recording process has gone very smoothly, and next week guitar solos and additional keyboards/samples will be completed. The album will be mixed in early May at Jacob Hansen studios and will be ready for release later this year. We are hoping that the album will be released in the States just in time for the band’s second appearance at the highly-prestigious ProgPower USA. We will go the extra mile to get the master tapes done in time so that the U.S. release will be timed with the European release. Anyone interested can see additional pictures from the Hansen studios at his website.”
Mercenary Part Ways With Bassist, Seek Replacement
Danish metallers MERCENARY haqve parted ways with bassist Henrik "Kral" Andersen. "What might come as a big shock to everyone outside the band has however been apparent to the band for some time," the group write on their web site. "That said, we feel it’s important to state very clearly that we part ways as the best of friends and we all wish Kral the very best in his future life and pursuits. Kral will always be a part of the MERCENARY family and we thank him first of all for joining us all up in the band through the years, as well as for the lots and lots of cool, fun and unforgettable times. Kral is expected to give a statement shortly. The split has in no way affected the recording of the new album since the rest of the band have been working on the new material during the last couple of months in Kral's absence. All vocals (including shouts and screams) on the upcoming album will be done by Mikkel who is also responsible for lyrics this time. Furthermore the split will not affect the upcoming touring schedule in any way.
"As a consequence of Kral leaving the band we are searching for a new bass player/shouter/screamer. We have to state that we need a person that is able to do both and are not looking for two new members.
"The person we are looking for must fulfill these demands:
* Must have a deeply dedicated and serious mind.
* Must have 100 % devotion to the band
* Must be able to rehearse intensively in certain periods in MERCENARY's rehearsals near Aalborg, Denmark.
* Be a male between 20 - 35 years.
* Be able to growl, scream, do ‘melodic shouting’ and play the bass
* Be able to learn the old songs quickly
* Be able to restrict his drinking on tour/shows (No drinking before shows)
* Must have a personal image fitting a serious metal band
* be able and willing to tour extensively in periods
"Live and studio experience is an advantage but not a necessity.
"We would like to receive material from interested personas ASAP. Please send demos (CDs only) along with contact info and preferable also a recent picture to:
MERCENARY
C/o Hvorupgårdvej 12
9400 Nørresundby
Denmark
Alternatively, you can send mp3s to: mercenary.audition@gmail.com
"Serious applications only."
MERCENARY's as-yet-untitled fifth full-length album will be recorded in at Hansen studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen (HATESPHERE, INVOCATOR, RAUNCHY). A late summer release via Century Media Records is expected.
MERCENARY's fourth full-length album, "11 Dreams", which was released in the U.S. in February 2005 via Century Media, was produced by Jacob Hansen and includes a cover version of KENT's hit single "Music Non Stop". Artwork duties were handled by Niklas Sundin (DARK TRANQUILLITY, IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY).
Jorn Lande To Replace Nevermore At ProgPower USA
Jorn Lande has been tapped to replace Nevermore as the Saturday night headliner at ProgPower USA VII. The singer, whose credits include Masterplan and ARK, will close the show with a unique set covering not only his solo career but songs from the various bands and projects over the course of his entire career.
"I hated to lose Nevermore, but I am ecstatic over being able to get one of the best voices in metal today," said Promoter Glenn Harveston. "After speaking with Jorn, I am convinced that this will be a once in a lifetime set that you won't see anywhere else in the world."
Added Lande: "It's an honor to play ProgPower USA this year. The festival is well known around the world for keeping progressive metal and hard rock alive. We will do our best to give you a few surprises and make it one of the most memorable sets in the history of the festival."
Nevermore was forced to pull out of ProgPower USA when the Disturbed/Nevermore European was postponed until September, conflicting with the festival date.
Evergrey - complete with a choir and string quartet - will headline the first night of the two-day festival, which will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16 at Earthlink Live in Atlanta.
The rest of the lineup is German power metal band Savage Circus, Dutch symphonic metal band Epica, Pyramaze, Wastefall, Sweden's Freak Kitchen, Finland's Thunderstone, Italy's Vision Divine, and Denmark's Mercenary.
The festival's annual pre-party will take place on Thursday, September 14 at The Vinyl Club inside of Earthlink Live and will feature performances by Theocracy, Circus Maximus, Leatherwolf, and Circle II Circle.
Tickets for ProgPower USA VII will go on sale Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. EST via all Ticketmaster outlets. Only 900 tickets will be made available to the public. Advance Gold Badges, which presently have a two-year wait list, are sold out. ProgPower USA has sold out more than four months in advance for the past four years. Last year's festival sold out in a record four days.
Tickets are for the pre-party are $20 and go on sale April 8 at 10 a.m. EST. There will only be 600 tickets available in advance.
ProgPower USA VII is sponsored by Pacific Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Shure Microphones, Evans Drumheads, D'Addario Strings, and Planet Wave Cables. Interested sponsors may contact ProgPower USA via progpowerusa.com.
Information is available on the website for parties interested in participating in the CD Showcase sampler or advertising in the official program.
Nevermore Confirmed for ProgPower VII
Nevermore, along with Mercenary, and Savage Circus have been confirmed for next year's ProgPower which will take place September 15-16 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Nevermore will be headlining Saturday night. Mercenary and Savage Circus will be performing the first night of ProgPower.
New Mercenary Video Available For Streaming
Mercenary have a new video clip of the song “Firesoul” available for streaming here. Taken from the band’s latest release, “11 Dreams” (2004), the clip was directed by Maurice Swinkels of Lowlifemedia and shows the band’s highly energetic performance onstage.
Mercenary will be touring Europe with Nevermore and Dew-Scented this fall. Here are the dates: More...
Dew-Scented & Mercenary To Support Nevermore
German thrashers Dew-Scented and Danish metallers Mercenary and have been confirmed as the support acts on Nevermore's upcoming European tour beginning on September 16 in Tilburg, the Netherlands. Tour dates:
Sept 16 Tilburg (NL) - 013
Sept 17 Antwerpen (B) - Hof Ter Loo
Sept 18 Haarlem (NL) - Patronaat
Sept 20 Dudley (UK) - JB's
Sept 21 Glasgow (SCOT) - Cathouse
Sept 22 Dublin (IRE) - Whelans
Sept 23 Bradford (UK) - Rio
Sept 24 Nottingham (UK) - Rock City
Sept 25 London (UK) - Scala
Sept 27 Bochum (D) - Zeche
Sept 29 Milano (I) - Rolling Stone
Oct 01 Salzburg (A) - Rockhaus
Oct 02 Ljubljana (SLO) - VPK Mediapark
Oct 03 Budapest (HU) - Petofi Hall
Oct 05 Frankfurt (D) - Batschkapp
Oct 06 Hamburg (D) - Markthalle
Oct 08 Gothenburg (S) - Chalmers
Oct 09 Stockholm (S) - Klubben
Oct 11 Osnabrück (D) - Hyde Park
