Morning Metal – Arch Enemy “War Eternal” Album Review
Arch Enemy – War Eternal
Released: June 10th, 2014
5/5
When Arch Enemy released a statement announcing the departure of Angela Gossow, I must admit I was a little upset – she brought a whole new image to death metal by being one of the few females fronting a death metal band. On March 17th, they revealed her departure and the addition of former The Agonist vocalist, Alissa White-Gluz.
If you have ever listened to Alissa in The Agonist, you’ll know the woman can hold her own. Alissa’s vocal style is very similar to that of Angela, minus the clean singing in The Agonist. While it is similar, and long-time Arch Enemy fans might dismiss her because she’s new – Alissa’s tone control, power and gutturals prove her to be on par with Angela if not better. Prior to her arrival in Arch Enemy, I had only listened to The Agonist maybe a few times. Ever since she joined, I have went out and grabbed any copy of their albums I could find.
Granted, when Alissa was announced – I wasn’t too sure at first, because even though she’s awesome in The Agonist, how would she hold up on “War Eternal”? Well, your opinion is about to crushed if you think she didn’t stand a chance. Seasoned veterans of the death metal scene know how to pick their vocalists.
The first single, “War Eternal” not only showcases a new and improved Arch Enemy – it completely crosses the line in terms of heaviness. All generic comments on Arch Enemy have been made already, and they could not even be remotely compared to where they were back in the day – but the best thing about “War Eternal” is that it has its own life. Arch Enemy have been reborn with this record – especially with the addition of Alissa and guitarist Nick Cordle, who joined the band in 2012.
War Eternal – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InRMwptcgAo
On the new record, the material shines through from that of “Khaos Legions” – which by my standards, did not live up to Arch Enemy’s previous releases. While it was a decent album, I was hoping it would be more like “Anthems of Rebellion”, which is one of my favourite Arch Enemy albums. I was not expecting anything amazing with the next record, but once the announcement came, I knew we were in for a treat.
A musician with a different approach to a band that has been around for so long was definitely exciting to hear, and once “War Eternal” was released – I squealed.
“As The Pages Burn” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lXuZHkOoH8
A new vocalist can make or break the band – and thankfully, Alissa was the perfect choice. The track “You Will Know My Name” stands as my favourite track on the album, just in front of the title track and “On and On” which just reeks shredliness.
When “War Eternal” drops on June 10th, head out to your nearest music store and pick up a copy. Pick up two copies! This album is heavy, melodic, brutal and fresh. Best material Arch Enemy has released in some years.
James Rockso – Host of CKCU 93.1 FM’s “Morning Metal”
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morning-Metal/286205571505773
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Morning Metal 2014