Melodic death metal legion, Armageddon, featuring former Arch Enemy guitarist Christopher Amott, will embark upon a two-week U.S. run of live dates. Booked by Artery Global and sponsored by EVH Amplifiers, Jackson Guitars, Listenable Records, Seeing Red Records, and Redefining Darkness Records, the trek will run from September 24th through October 5th, with direct support from Ascension featuring Caleb Bingham (ex-Five Finger Death Punch, Zonaria).

Armageddon will be touting tunes from their Captivity & Devourment full-length, issued earlier this year via Listenable Records. Metal Injection heralded the record, “a concise 10-song… masterpiece of masterful songwriting and tight band interaction,” while New Noise Magazine championed the offering’s, “blistering leads, neat riffs, and solid songwriting,” further noting, “it’s everything melodeath fans could ask for.” PureGrainAudio agreed praising, “a dramatic, powerful-sounding album and one that has more in the tank than just brute-force, metallic thrash.” Since releasing the album, the band has added vocalist Antony Hämäläinen, previously of Nightrage, to their ranks and are set to spread their unique brand of melodic death metal to the masses.

Armageddon Tour Dates:

9/24/2015 Black Bear Bar – Brooklyn, NY
9/25/2015 TBA
9/26/2015 Waterfront – Holyoke, MA
9/27/2015 Broadway Joe’s – Buffalo, NY
9/28/2015 Foundry – Cleveland, OH
9/29/2015 5th Quarter – Indianapolis, IN
9/30/2015 Live Wire Lounge – Chicago, IL
10/1/2015 Backstage Cafe – Louisville, KY
10/2/2015 Open Chord – Knoxville, TN
10/3/2015 Ziggy’s UG – Chattanooga, TN
10/4/2015 The Odditorium – Asheville, NC
10/5/2015 The Depot – Baltimore, MD

Rock Hard \m/

This was our first time seeing Arch Enemy with Alissa White-Gluz, formerly of the Montreal-based band The Agonist. With her Quebecois Francais between songs, it was clear that she was extremely excited to be performing in her hometown, and nothing made it more evident than when she marched across the stage waving the Quebec flag. Shit, even her hair was Quebec bleu. She’s no Angela Gossow, but she does a fine job and she made Quebec very proud today.

Rock Hard \m/

But does it work with Arch Enemy on their latest album, War Eternal, with the introduction of Alissa White-Gluz?

Order Arch Enemy, War Eternal on CD or MP3.

Honestly, I was offput at first, insisting that this is in no way the Arch Enemy that I’d come to know and love. And that there’s no way Alissa could ever fill the goliath vocal duties left behind by former vocal giant, Angela Gossow. That’s still partially true after several listens to War Eternal, but the work does grow on you.

Now, understand that Alissa is a great vocalist in her own right and was fantastic with her former Montreal-based band, The Agonist. Despite actually having vocal coaching from Angela, Alissa has a style all her own, a style that she’s transposed to Arch Enemy. One thing I notice is the impression that her throat is tighter, enabling her to hit a higher note. Another element is her vocal melody, which is vastly different from Angela’s. So, songs in which Alissa’s style and personality come through, such as on “Never Forgive, Never Forget,” “No More Regrets,” “Stolen Life,” and “Time Is Black” there’s a move away from the Arch Enemy of the past.

Another aspect of Alissa’s personality that’s shown is her flare for the dramatic or theatrical. That’s not to say that Arch Enemy is a stranger to symphonic elements or studio tricks, and perhaps these things are under the microscope because of Alissa’s introduction, but these things seem to have gained prominence on War Eternal. Have a listen to “Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor),” which could serve as theme music to American Horror Story; “You Will Know My Name”; “Time Is Black”; and “Avalanche” to get a taste.

Understanding that Arch Enemy announced War Eternal’s release date and title just days prior to Angela Gossow’s statement that she was leaving the band, the album was most likely near completion. Certainly the majority of the songs had been finalized. So it stands to reason that Alissa didn’t contribute to the majority of songs, having already been written with Angela in mind. As such, we get a handful of classic-sounding Arch Enemy tracks: “War Eternal,” “As the Pages Burn,” “You Will Know My Name,” “On and On,” and “Down to Nothing.”

Alissa isn’t the only new Arch Enemy member to make a debut on this album; Nick Cordle joined the band on tour in 2012. On War Eternal he blends in flawlessly, trading guitar licks with Michael Amott like it was old hat. And some of the guitar solos on the album are top-notch, producing the “oh shit” effect in anyone who gets off on great tone and fret action. Check out “Never Forgive, Never Forget,” “War Eternal,” “No More Regrets,” and “Down to Nothing” for some prime examples. In the same breath, there’s nothing out-of-the-way extraordinary from the guitars here. Just clean and crisp work.

True to form, Daniel Erlandsson is beast behind the kit, giving everything just the right amount of whatever is required. Unfortunately, Sharlee D’Angelo, didn’t get a time to shine as he did on Khaos Legions.

Arch Enemy has premiered their ferocious cover of Judas Priest’s classic track, “Breaking the Law,” over at RevolverMag.com. The track definitely has the Arch Enemy flavor, but it is an honest cover that’s very true to the original. You would be forgiven for being skeptical about Arch Enemy taking on this song since Rob Halford’s vocal style is, well, vastly different from Alissa White-Gluz’. But she owns her gutteral take on the vocals and delivers a very powerful rendition that’s as melodic as the original.

Here’s what guitarist Mike Amott said of the track:

When we do covers, we have a tendency to pick somewhat obscure songs. However, the iconic ‘Breaking The Law’ anthem by Judas Priest is anything but that, of course! This just started with a fun jam in the studio, and during the process we tried to make it sound as Arch Enemy as possible -– it turned out pretty f’n cool and here it is. Enjoy!

“Breaking the Law” was exclusive to the Japanese edition of the band’s latest album, War Eternal. But no longer. Arch Enemy has made a limited-edition split 7-inch single with their current touring mates, Kreator. Side A of the single will contain “Breaking the Law” and Side B will have Kreator’s “Iron Destiny.”

If you want the split, you’ll have to go to a show because it’s only available at the merch table. Furthermore, only 500 copies of the exclusive transparent red vinyl record will be available during the North American tour. Fear not Europe; you’ll have access to 500 copies of a dark red version when Arch Enemy heads your way after North America.

Let us know what you think of Arch Enemy’s take on “Breaking the Law” in the comments section below.

Rock Hard \m/

Now, I can appreciate that AE might be trying something a little different, and right now, with a new singer, it might be the best time for a little bit of experimentation. Conversely, it might be the worst, because with a new vocalist there will be a microscope on the band, and any band in this situation should come out swinging.

Judging from the two previous tracks, I think AE came to fight, but “You Will Know My Name” feels like scrap riffs and solos cobbled together to make something resembling an AE song. I know that I’m sounding like a judgmental dick, so let’s take a look at what founding member and guitarist Michael Amott has had to say about the shift:

Changes in the band lineup are hardly ever looked upon favorably by the fans, which I completely understand. Nonetheless, it does happen and the changes that have been made in the Arch Enemy camp were necessary in order for the band to survive and keep going. I love the energy of working with new people and Alissa and Nick have certainly brought a lot of talent and enthusiasm to the band!

OK, and for a final pot shot today… I don’t know if Alissa has been paid yet, but you’d think that she could afford to ditch the tattered clothes from her previous band’s, The Agonist, theme for its latest album release, Prisoners (2012).

In all fairness, I love Arch Enemy, and will do my damnedest is to give the new album a fair shake.

What do you think of “You Will Know My Name”? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Rock Hard!

If you’re not ready to have your face blown off, then you’re not ready to watch Arch Enemy.

The Live Apocalypse show was filmed at the London Forum, on December 17, 2004. It was the last performance Christopher Amott played with Arch Enemy before his short-lived (first) departure. But, aside from that, I believe it was a time when Angela Gossow was still out proving her salt as a death metal vocalist. Not that she is any less of a vocalist today, but there’s an intensity in her performance at this 2004 show that comes from only having two albums under your belt with your new band.

The rest of the band (Michael Amott, Christopher Amott, Daneil Erlandsson, and Sharlee D’Angelo) was equally as hungry too. This hunger often comes with the rejuvenation that a new singer brings to the band. They weren’t a fresh band at the time either, as Arch Enemy was promoting their fifth album, Anthems of Rebellion.

Live Apocalypse is available on DVD, and it’s evident from the excellent performance that this is a fan essential. Plus the camera work and video quality almost make it better than actually being there. So, go ahead, queue the video up and mosh in your living room.

You can buy Arch Enemy – Live Apocalypse for $19.99 at Amazon.

Arch Enemy – Live Apocalypse track listing:

1. “Tear Down the Walls/Intro”
2. “Enemy Within”
3. “Silent Wars”
4. “Burning Angel”
5. “Dead Eyes See No Future”
6. “Dead Bury Their Dead”
7. “Bury Me an Angel”
8. “Drum Solo”
9. “Instinct”
10. “Savage Messiah”
11. “The First Deadly Sin”
12. “The Immortal”
13. “Bridge of Destiny”
14. “We Will Rise”
15. “Heart of Darkness”
16. “Snow Bound”
17. “Ravenous”
18. “Fields of Desolation/Outro”
19. “Marching on a Dead End Road”

Yell! Magazine’s Concert Series brings you kick-ass live shows to get your party started right and to help you vent your Friday frustrations.

Rock Hard \m/

Some of those questions got answered when the band unleashed their first new single “War Eternal,” which is definitely a good taste of what’s to come with Alissa. However, from what I gathered, it just wasn’t enough for my liking until I heard “As the Pages Burn.” The latest single featuring the lyrics by Alissa that is truly stellar, if you’re a fan of old-school Arch Enemy. The song definitely sounds like music Arch Enemy released back in the late ’90s with a “Slayer-vibe in the intro/verse and a huge melodic chorus.”

According to Alissa, the song is her “favorite” from the 10th studio album:

‘As The Pages Burn’ is also one of my favorite songs. I think it’s going to be a very fun song to perform live. I really like fast-paced, energetic songs. A lot of the lyrics on the album are coming straight from my brain during sleepless nights. I often wake up in the middle of the night from horrible nightmares and just start writing songs. For whatever reason, I like the lyrics that I get that way, they feel real and uncensored. This song is one that I wrote at 4 a.m. in the dark, half asleep. In the morning I woke up and thought, ‘This is cool, I’m going to use this, and I know just the music to put it to’. The musical dynamics in the song are very satisfying to sing to as well. I hope you like it!

I really dig it and so will you. So check it out! War Eternal drops in stores on June 10th, via Century Media.

War Eternal track-listing (standard edition)

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

So, here’s the new video, produced by none other than Patric Ullaeus. It’s very typical Arch Enemy in its aesthetics and the sound is amazingly aggressive. Alissa has big combat boots to fill, and I think she’s doing it pretty well. No doubt, given her youth and different way of being on stage/performing (she’s more theatrical whereas Angela Gossow was more metal), you can see a dynamic shift in the video, however slight it might be.

“War Eternal” will be also available for streaming through Spotify (starting Friday, March 21st in the early morning hours).

Chief song-writer, guitarist, and band leader Michael Amott comments:

This is a day to remember. It is such a great feeling to come back with new music and to unleash the first single and video off ‘War Eternal’. Behold the first chapter of the new ARCH ENEMY saga… This is f**king war!

Arch Enemy will unleash their 9th studio album, War Eternal, worldwide via Century Media Records and Trooper Entertainment in Japan in early June 2014. The War Eternal world tour will commence in May with an extensive run through Europe. A U.S. tour is planned for fall 2014.
Let the eternal war begin!

ARCH ENEMY live:

23.05.2014 Turbohalle, Bucharest, Romania
24.05.2014 Metal Summer Festival, Istanbul, Turkey
25.05.2014 Mixtape 5, Sofia, Bulgaria
27.05.2014 Majestic Music Club, Bratislava, Slovakia
29.05.2014 Rock and Roll Arena, Romagnano Sesia (Novara), Italy
30.05.2014 New Age Club, Roncade, Italy
02.06.2014 L’Etage, Rennes, France
03.06.2014 Le 106, Rouen, France
04.06.2014 La Laiterie, Strasbourg, France
05.06.2014 Rosenhof, Osnabrück, Germany
07.06.2014 Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg, Sweden
09.06.2014 Studio USF, Bergen, Norway
10.06.2014 John Dee, Oslo, Norway
11.06.2014 Copenhell, Copenhagen, Denmark
13.06.2014 Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
14.06.2014 Conrad Sohm, Dornbirn, Austria
15.06.2014 Nova Rock – Nickelsdorf, Austria
27.06.2014 Rock am Härtsfeldsee, Dischingen, Germany
09.07.2014 RockMaraton, Pecs, Hungary
11.07.2014 Rock Harz Open Air, Ballenstedt, Germany
12.07.2014 Masters Of Rock, Vizovice, Czech Republic
13.07.2014 Seven Festival, Wegorzewo, Poland
19.07.2014 Dong Open Air, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany
02.08.2014 Wacken Open Air, Wacken, Germany
07.08.2014 Getaway Rock, Gävle, Sweden
08.08.2014 Leyendas Del Rock, Alicante, Spain
09.08.2014 Alcatraz Metal Festival, Kortrijk, Belgium
14.08.2014 Summer Breeze, Dinkelsbühl, Germany
17.08.2014 Alt-Fest, Kettering, UK
22.09.2014 Re:Republic, Minsk, Belarus
23.09.2014 Yunost’, Kiev, Ukraine
25.09.2014 Arena Hall, Krasnodar, Russia
27.09.2014 Glav Club, Moscow, Russia
28.09.2014 Zal Ozhidaniya, Saint Petersburg, Russia
30.09.2014 Otdykh Club, Novosibirsk, Russia
01.10.2014 Angar Club, Omsk, Russia
03.10.2014 Tele Club, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Rock Hard \m/

Nonetheless, we thought we’d take a moment to honor her and all she accomplished for women of metal with a quick photo retrospective.

Rock Hard \m/

In a statement released today, long-time frontwoman of Arch Enemy, Angela Gossow, has stepped down from her position behind the microphone and handed it to The Agonist’s Alissa White-Gluz. Gossow has been with the band since 2001’s Wages of Sin.

Arch Enemy will release their ninth album, War Eternal, this June, taking the opportunity to introduce White as their new vocalist. While it is heartbreaking that Gossow won’t be fronting the band any more, there’s certainly no sour grapes as she will be managing the band’s business affairs (plus she’s married to Michael Amott, guitarist).

White is obviously thrilled about the opportunity. As revealed to us in an interview with White a couple years ago, she and Gossow are friends, so we know it’s not a random selection. In fact, Gossow helped White develop vocally, so you can assume that there’s been some coaching done already.

Arch Enemy has stated that a new song will be released this week.

How do you feel about the change in the lineup? Post your comments below.

Here is Angela Gossow’s official statement:
[sic]

Dear Arch Enemy fans, this is not easy to tell you…I have decided to step down from being Arch Enemy’s voice of anger. After 13 years of pure fucking metal, 6 studio albums and countless tours through five continents, I feel the need to enter a different phase in my life, be with my family and pursue other interests. I will however remain business manager for Arch Enemy, and I will continue to develop my artist management roster.

I am staying true to my heavy metal roots, just leaving the spotlight so to speak. I am passing the torch to the super talented Alissa White-Gluz, whom I’ve known as a dear friend and a superb vocalist for many years. I always thought she deserved a chance to shine – and now she’s getting it. Just like I got that chance back in 2001.

I want to thank all Arch Enemy fans, our labels Century Media (worldwide) and Trooper Entertainment (Japan), our dedicated road crew, and in particular Michael, Daniel and Sharlee for their love and support throughout all these years. It’s been one hell of a ride! We conquered every situation, made it through thick & thin together in the most exciting and rewarding time of my life. Thank you all for being there with me on stage, in front of the stage, and backstage. You have touched my heart, and I hope I was able to give something back to you. I am grateful for the wonderful memories – I will cherish them forever!

I am looking forward to the next decade of Arch Enemy madness! Right now I am listening through rough mixes of the new studio album and I am blown away! 2014 will see a renewed Arch Enemy at the top of their game. I am proud to be part of this Arch Enemy chapter, albeit in a different way – revving up the engines behind the scenes. I hope to see you in front of the stage, I will join you there this time. Let the killing begin, once again!

And here is Alissa White-Gluz’ statement:
[sic]

I am very honored and happy to announce a new chapter in my life and musical career beginning now; I have joined forces with one of my all-time favorite and globally respected bands, ARCH ENEMY. ‘Wages of Sin’ was the first metal album I ever bought, and it was love at first listen. It is not often that you get a phone call from your favorite band asking you to join! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such amazingly talented musicians whom I also consider great friends. I look forward to being able to write and perform at a whole new level now with ARCH ENEMY! Music is forever, metal is limitless and this is only the beginning!

Rock Hard \m/