Arch Enemy - War Eternal review

Band: Arch Enemy
Album: War Eternal
Label: Century Media
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Release Date: 10th June 2014

When Angela Gossow was unveiled as new vocalist for Sweden's Arch Enemy back in 2000 - replacing Johan Liiva - eyebrows were raised. I mean, let's not be coy about this, this was a petite blonde woman in what was (and for the most part, still is) a man's game. But she was a revelation and her Jeff Walker-inspired guttural roar was a much needed injection of personality and fresh air into the band after Liiva's forgettable and pedestrian vocals. Sadly as the years (and albums) went by, said fresh air had long-since begun to turm stale and the dynamic energy she had brought to the band had faded. Yes, they were still popular with Metal masses, but something was definitely missing. It seemed as if the entire band, not just Angela, were going through the motions - the endless cycle of tour, album, tour, album had taken its toll and had seemingly drained the passion out of what they were doing.

So, when news broke in early 2014 that Angela had decided to step down as the bands front person, it came as much of a relief to me as it did a surprise. So, who would be stepping up to the mic? Were they going to choose a male vocalist or stick with the female fronted formula that had served them (and their sales) well. I mean, not to put to fine a point on it and not to say I agree with it, but it is still a fact that a female band member is going to generate more interest in your band and more magazine covers. This in turn equates to increased record / merchandise sales. 

Well, the answer would soon become apparent when the first video clip was unveiled and it was revealed that Alissa White-Gluz of Canadian Metallers, The Agonist had been chosen to fill Angela's imposingly large shoes. This was a bittersweet decision for me. As a fan of The Agonist, I was a little dismayed by the news that she would be departing their ranks, but as an Arch Enemy fan, this news couldn't have been better. I don't think they could have found a more perfect replacement for Angela, which is not entirely surprisingly because, as the band's manager, Angela was in the enviable and unusual position to have been able to help choose her own replacement.

So, onto the actual music. Does the album go anyway towards renewing my faded interest in the Swedish Melodic Death titans? The simple answer is a resounding, yes! War Eternal finds Arch Enemy on blistering form. The band is absolutely on fire. Michael Amott shreds on the guitar like he hasn't done in quite some time, with his technical proficiency being such that his solos sound almost neo-classical in places and the keyboards are more prominent this time around which adds a real extra dimension to the band's sound. That's before we even mention the riffs - of which there are more than you could possibly shake a stick at - and  when it comes to the vocals, Alissa roars and bellows throughout, clearly intent to make her mark and to kill any doubts before they even have chance to gestate. Equally as important though, is the fact that they have actually remembered to write some memorable, distinctive songs this time around. From the first single, the ferocious "War Eternal" and the Sigh-influenced "Time Is Black" to "On and On" and "As The Pages Burn", this is a lesson in how modern Melodic Death Metal should sound. There isn't a weak moment to be found and this is an album you'll want to listen to again and again. This is a masterclass delivered by one of the leading lights of the genre

Arch Enemy have never sounded so vital or so essential. I can't decide if this is 'merely' a stunning return to form or the bands best release to date. With "War Eternal" the band has opened the door to a bright new future. This is a new chapter in the Arch Enemy story and on the strength of this album, I don't want it to end any time soon. 

Total Playing Time: 47:25

Overall: 9/10

Tracklist:

Tempora Nihil Sanat (Prelude In F Minor)
Never Forgive, Never Forget
War Eternal
As The Pages Burn
No More Regrets
You Will Know My Name
Graveyard Of Dreams
Stolen Life
Time Is Black
On And On
Avalanche
Down To Nothing
Not Long For This World