Released 20 years ago
The Hours that Remain
Mercenary · 2006
62 min · 10 tracks · power metal
A thunderous blend of melodic death metal and power metal that weaves intricate harmonies within relentless, driving rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Year of the Plague — This track stands out with its haunting melodies intertwined with aggressive riffs, perfectly capturing the album's thematic exploration of despair and turmoil.
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Lost Reality — Featuring expansive song structures and an emotional vocal delivery, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend heaviness with melodic sophistication.
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The Hours That Remain — The closing title track encapsulates the album's essence, combining lyrical depth with epic instrumentation that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong musicianship and dynamic contrasts but has some conventional elements in its structure.
What we noticed
- The album features complex guitar harmonies layered over rapid drumming, creating a dense sound that propels the tracks forward.
- Vocals alternate between melodic singing and harsh growls, often within the same song, enhancing the dynamic range.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, with moments of slower, atmospheric sections contrasting against faster, aggressive passages.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- back-loaded intensity that unfolds
- existential themes for deep reflection
- gradual build to climactic release
- immersive journey through complexities
- for late-night introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer quick, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, The Hours that Remain is Mercenary's fourth studio album, following their 2004 release, 11 Dreams. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound and gaining recognition in the European metal scene, showcasing a matured songwriting style and technical prowess.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dark Tranquillity· In Flames· Soilwork
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Redefine Me 6:06
- 2 Year of the Plague 5:29
- 3 My World Is Ending 5:26
- 4 This Eternal Instant 6:10
- 5 Lost Reality 8:02
- 6 Soul Decision 5:03
- 7 Simplicity Demand 6:35
- 8 Obscure Indiscretion 4:46
- 9 My Secret Window 6:29
- 10 The Hours That Remain 8:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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