FROM THE CRYPTS - CELEBRATING PAST ALBUM RELEASES in the HISTORY of HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL…
On November 9, 1998, Bolt Thrower released their sixth full-length studio album Mercenary in the US via Metal Blade Records.
It was recorded at Chapel Studios, Lincoln, England, December 1997 to January 1998. The album was produced by Bolt Thrower and Ewan Davis.
The cover painting is titled Contact – Wait Out, which is also the first track on the following album, Honour – Valour – Pride.
Powder Burns is a continuation of the song Embers from The IVth Crusade, and leads into The Killchain on Those Once Loyal.
Background:
For Mercenary, Karl Willetts temporarily rejoined the band to perform vocal duties. The band switched record labels from Earache to Metal Blade Records, because since the US ...For Victory tour they had seen a lack of success with Earache. Earache had also wanted to get rid of them and Bolt Thrower wanted to leave Earache as soon as possible, so they parted company.
Mercenary was released on September 8, 1998 in Europe and on November 9, 1998 in the US and features nine tracks. It is an overall slower album than its predecessors. However, it is definitely very heavy and sounds very much like classic Bolt Thrower. Karl also returned to performing his previous style of singing; with the Hardcore Punk influences absent once again. After the album recording, Karl left the band again and the band recruited Dave Ingram permanently after he departed Benediction.
Following the release of Mercenary, the band embarked on a tour of Europe, called Into the Killing Zone, with Dave Ingram on vocals. Drummer, Alex Thomas also departed since he lacked interest in the musical direction of Bolt Thrower.
Critical Reception:
In his review for AllMusic, Jason Anderson writes;
“Mercenary is the first Bolt Thrower release to feature significant changes for the group. The music isn't anything new, but the English Grindcore outfit had an updated lineup that included longtime members Barry Thompson and Gavin Ward on guitar, Jo Bench on bass, vocalist Karl Willets, and rookie Alex Thomas on drums. Additionally, Mercenary is the first recording from the band to appear on Metal Blade Records. These changes have little affect on Bolt Thrower's sound. The career-long pattern of ever-tightening performances is upheld, as all involved do a splendid job reproducing the band's trademark racket. Thomas' superior drumming is more impressive than his predecessor's; however, some would argue that Andy Whale's borderline sloppiness amounted to a sonic signature, so it's wash. Despite being more technically accomplished, Mercenary lacks the material to qualify as a significant Bolt Thrower disc. Fans of the Metal act will approve of this 1998 offering, but new listeners might want to check out …For Victory or The IVth Crusade before soldiering on to Mercenary.
Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells
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