PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
When Swedish metallers Arch Enemy not so long ago announced changes inside the band, nobody besides them had an actual clue how they would sound and look after that. So now, 3 years since their previous full-length album, they return with War Eternal.
The new blue-haired front woman Alissa White-Gluz seems to be getting on well with the band – already started the tour, which will finish at the end of this year. Besides that, the brand new album is already completed and a video has gone public. A lot of different reactions and most likely even more after the ‘War Eternal’ release.
‘War Eternal’ is the 10th full-length album during the 19 years of the band’s existence. Very symbolic and yet refreshing. It looks like Arch Enemy decided to start the new decade with the new line-up but still in the same style. The album feels quite nostalgic, as it has a lot of ‘old’ Arch Enemy sound, which could be called their typical sound as well. The very first thing you might notice is of course vocals. Alissa keeps the similar manner of singing/growling as Angela Gossow did and still you can feel the difference. It does lack depth but the sometimes aggressive lower tones give a little different impression of the whole sound. The album sounds, in a way, a little more melodic than usual but it is still a fast and carefully built death metal set. On the other hand, impressive instrumental parts – guitar solos in particular, seem to take over (or compensate for?) vocal parts during the whole set.
‘War Eternal’ is a set of 13 melodic death metal songs, which you might call as a new step further. It starts with quite quiet although solemn intro ‘Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor)’, which creates a beautiful start and great atmosphere for the following fast paced rhythms. The third song and title track is quite a progressive track showing off mostly impressive instrumental parts. The track, chosen for another video, called ‘You Will Know My Name’ is probably the track best representing the new line-up. This track stands out with the possibility for Alissa to show off her vocals. The job is well done, Alissa’s harsh/growling vocals next to melodic guitar riffs sounds promising.
In the middle of the album there is another instrumental break, called ‘Graveyard of Dreams’. Despite the fact that it is only one minute long it does’nt seem to fit in and it is quite distracting. The fast melodic death metal tracks are right back after the break and the previous atmosphere marches back to the listener as well. The last track is ‘Not Long For This World’ and there some 3 and a half minutes of slow tempo music, which does not seem to fit the whole album again. It does not sound epic or any of that kind, might leave you a little sleepy or even bored in the end.
Reviewers pick: ‘Avalanche’, the 11th track of the album. Great melody, fit vocals, dynamic and pleasant for the ear to listen more than once.
‘War Eternal’ by Arch Enemy is the new-old type of album for the band, which is facing some inside changes. Still recognizable Arch Enemy sound with the noticeable changes.
‘War Eternal’ by Arch Enemy is going to be released on 9th of June, 2014 via Century Media.
Track listing:
1. Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor)
2. Never Forgive, Never Forget
3. War Eternal
4. As The Pages Burn
5. No More Regrets
6. You Will Know My Name
7. Graveyard Of Dreams
8. Stolen Life
9. Time Is Black
10. On And On
11. Avalanche
12. Down To Nothing
13. Not Long For This World
Arch Enemy are:
Michael Amott – Guitars
Daniel Erlandsson – Drums
Sharlee D’Angelo – Bass
Nick Cordle – Guitars
Alissa White-Gluz – Vocals
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