Michael Amott formed ARCH ENEMY after the release of the excellent album The Heartwork with the legendary melodic deathsters CARCASS back in 1993. During the mid 90s ARCH ENEMY released three pretty good albums that helped them built a strong and wide fan base although there was something missing. The missing piece was found in 2001 when the Swedes released Wages Of Sin with a new singer in their lineup. The vocal duties were taken by Mrs. Angela Gossow who surprised everyone with her aggressive voice that was well hidden under her beautiful looks. Actually, I am still not used to the fact that these vocals come from a female throat...
So, the year is 2007 and in my hands lies the band's 7th discographic attempt under the genuine Metal title Rise Of The Tyrant. A blast of a siren opens for the Blood On Your Hands followed by a guitar riff that literally grabs you by the throat. The guitar work is once again on the front line laying down some really catchy Heavy Metal melodies that get you from the very first CD spin. The almost ballad I Will Live Again caught me off guard by combining Amott's trademark guitar hooks and classic Metal solos with Angela's evil yet sweet voice. The entire album is really solid and gives some excellent excuses for relentless headbanging and moshing.
ARCH ENEMY used the Wages Of Sin successful recipe with Fredrik Nordstrom in charge of the studio console who affirms his title as the master of the Melodic Death Metal sound. You will get totally blown away by tracks like Revolution Begins comprising the MAIDEN-esque twin guitars, The Day You Died with the solid bass and drum work or the 6 minutes long Vultures that implements sweet and melodic legatos and an impressive group of guitar solos.
Century Media thought that it would prevent the illegal CD copying by inserting a really annoying beeping sound that shows up periodically and tests the endurance of your nerves. In the 24th of September head down to the local CD store and get this fucker and witness the Rise Of The Tyrant. I think I speak on behalf of all the Greek metalheads by saying: Bring ARCH ENEMY to Greece NOW!