Mercenary Bolt Thrower Artist

{|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 W... Read more

{|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|}. ~ Vincent Jeffries Less