Arch Enemy, the renowned Swedish-style melodic death metal band, has been a trailblazer in the global metal scene since its inception. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, although planning to mark it next year, Arch Enemy has managed to bridge the gap between the pioneering Gothenburg explosion of the mid-90s and the modern metal wave of the 21st century. This ability to blend the old and new has kept them relevant and inspiring.
As they release their twelfth studio album, “Blood Dynasty,” the band’s partnership with vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, which began on 2014’s “War Eternal,” has matured over a decade of collaboration and exploration. Band architect Michael Amott, who founded Arch Enemy three decades ago, shares insights into the band’s evolution and the joys of creating music at this stage in their career.
Each album for Arch Enemy represents a unique journey, with “Blood Dynasty” being a response to their previous work while also embracing new experiments and influences. The album showcases a mix of traditional and innovative elements, such as integrating clean vocals alongside harsh ones and incorporating diverse musical styles like NWOBHM and d-beat punk.
Amott reflects on the band’s evolution, particularly highlighting the significance of their tenth-anniversary album, “War Eternal,” and the creative evolution that occurred during the past decade with Alissa as the front-person. The chemistry and dynamic between band members have continued to evolve, leading to a fresh and vibrant sound that retains the essence of Arch Enemy.
With a recent lineup change that saw Jeff Loomis departing and Joey Concepcion joining the band, Amott discusses the impact of this transition and the new energy Joey brings with his instrumental prog background. Despite the changes, the core trio of Amott, Daniel, and Sharlee has remained stable for over 25 years, underscoring the importance of their enduring relationship.
On “Blood Dynasty,” Arch Enemy includes a cover track by the band Blasphème, a departure from their usual practice of including covers as bonus tracks. The decision to feature this song on the main album speaks to the band’s exploration of diverse influences and a willingness to push boundaries creatively.
Looking ahead, Arch Enemy has lined up major tours in the US and Europe, with Gatecreeper as the opening band for the European leg. Amott reflects on the enduring appeal of the Swedish death metal sound and the resurgence of styles from the ’90s, noting his own contributions to the genre’s evolution.
As Arch Enemy prepares to celebrate their 30th anniversary next year, Amott hints at a celebratory setlist featuring older material, showcasing the band’s journey from its inception in the ’90s to its current iteration. Through lineup changes and musical explorations, Arch Enemy continues to push the boundaries of extreme metal while staying true to their roots.
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