Arch Enemy
Albums
Members
Current
Alissa White‐Gluz
Lead vocals
Daniel Erlandsson
Drums (drum set)
Jeff Loomis
Guitar
Michael Amott
Bass guitar
Guitar
Keyboard
Sharlee D’Angelo
Bass guitar
History
Angela Gossow
Lead vocals
Christopher Amott
Guitar
Christopher Amott
Guitar
Daniel Erlandsson
Drums (drum set)
Fredrik Åkesson
Guitar
Johan Liiva
Lead vocals
Martin Bengtsson
Bass guitar
Nick Cordle
Guitar
Peter Wildoer
Drums (drum set)
Story of Arch Enemy
Arch Enemy: A Melodic Death Metal Powerhouse
Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band that emerged in 1995 from the fertile musical ground of Halmstad. Originally a supergroup, its members boasted impressive pedigrees, having previously graced the ranks of iconic bands like Carcass, Armageddon, Carnage, Mercyful Fate, Spiritual Beggars, The Agonist, Nevermore, and Eucharist. The brainchild of Carcass guitarist Michael Amott and Johan Liiva (both hailing from the death metal outfit Carnage), Arch Enemy quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
The band’s sonic assault has been captured on eleven studio albums, three live albums, three video albums, and four EPs. Their early sound was spearheaded by Johan Liiva’s guttural vocals, but a significant shift occurred in 2000 when he was replaced by German vocalist Angela Gossow. Gossow, known for her powerful and commanding voice, injected a new level of intensity and aggression into Arch Enemy's sound, propelling them further into the metal spotlight.
Gossow's reign as frontwoman lasted until 2014, when she stepped down to become the band's manager. Her successor, Canadian vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, seamlessly filled the void with her own brand of raw energy and technical proficiency. White-Gluz further cemented Arch Enemy's status as one of the most formidable and innovative forces in the modern metal scene.
Early Years and "Black Earth" (1995-1997):
The seeds of Arch Enemy were sown in 1995, with Michael Amott at the helm. The band’s debut album, "Black Earth," was a product of a whirlwind nine days of recording at Studio Fredman. Released in 1996 by the now-defunct Wrong Again Records, "Black Earth" served as the band’s first foray into the world of melodic death metal.
"Stigmata," "Burning Bridges," and the Arrival of Gossow (1998-2000):
The release of "Black Earth" marked a turning point for Arch Enemy. They signed with Century Media and, in 1998, released "Stigmata." This album saw the addition of bassist Martin Bengtsson and drummer Peter Wildoer, solidifying the band’s lineup. "Stigmata" proved to be a watershed moment, earning the band critical acclaim and a wider fanbase in Europe and America. The band continued to gain momentum with their subsequent albums, including "Burning Bridges," which showcased their growing musical sophistication and songwriting prowess. The arrival of Gossow on vocals in 2000 marked a new chapter in the band's story, with her powerful and distinctive voice propelling Arch Enemy into a new era of dominance.
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Mayday: The Rock Legends of the Chinese-Speaking World
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Initially known as So Band, their name evolved in 1997, stemming from Masa's online alias. Their impact has been so profound that they've earned the moniker "the Beatles of the Chinese-speaking world." Their accomplishments are a testament to their immense talent and influence, with a multitude of awards including the prestigious Golden Melody Award for Best Band, bestowed by the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, an impressive four times - in 2001, 2004, 2009, and 2012.
The Birth of Mayday: A Rock & Roll Journey
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The Rolling Stones: A Rock 'n' Roll Legacy
The Rolling Stones, hailing from the vibrant streets of London, burst onto the music scene in 1962. They've been rockin' for seven decades, cementing their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in history.
The Stones were pioneers, pushing the boundaries of rock with their raw, blues-infused sound, paving the way for the hard rock genre. Their classic lineup – Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards on guitar, Brian Jones on various instruments, Bill Wyman on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums – became the foundation of their success. Initially led by Jones, the band found their creative spark with the arrival of manager Andrew Loog Oldham in 1963. Oldham encouraged them to write their own material, and the Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership soon became the heartbeat of the band.
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Band of Horses: A Seattle Sound That's Stood the Test of Time
Band of Horses, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Seattle, Washington, emerged in 2004. Spearheaded by the soulful songwriting of Ben Bridwell, the band has weathered numerous lineup changes, but Bridwell's presence remains a constant, anchoring their signature sound.
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For a decade, the band enjoyed a remarkably stable lineup with guitarist Tyler Ramsey and bassist Bill Reynolds, who left in 2017 after a long and successful period together. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of the band's early albums, including the critically acclaimed Cease to Begin (2007).
Throughout their career, Band of Horses has released six studio albums, each offering a distinct sonic tapestry: Everything All the Time (2006), Cease to Begin, Infinite Arms (2010), Mirage Rock (2012), Why Are You OK (2016), and Things Are Great (2022). Infinite Arms earned the band a Grammy nomination in 2011, further solidifying their place in the rock landscape.
The Early Days:
Band of Horses, originally known simply as "Horses," formed in 2004 after the breakup of Bridwell's previous band, Carissa's Wierd. The original lineup included Chris Early on bass, Tim Meinig on drums, and Mat Brooke, another Carissa's Wierd alum, on guitar and vocals.
Their early gigs caught the attention of Sub Pop Records after opening for Iron & Wine in Seattle. This led to the release of their Tour EP in 2005, generating buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.
Their debut album, Everything All the Time, recorded with producer Phil Ek in 2005, marked their official entry into the music scene. The album showcased the band's raw energy and distinctive blend of Americana and indie rock, and was released by Sub Pop in March 2006.
The band's journey since then has been a compelling mix of lineup changes, critical acclaim, and enduring musicality. Band of Horses remains a vital force in the world of rock, leaving an indelible mark on the Seattle sound and beyond.
No Party For Cao Dong: A Story of Indie Rock Rebellion
No Party For Cao Dong (草東沒有派對), a Taiwanese indie rock band known for their raw energy and emotional depth, has emerged as a formidable force in the Asian music scene.
From Schoolyard Jams to Underground Icons:
The band's roots lie in the familiar story of friendship and shared passion. Guitarists and vocalists Wood Lin and Judy Chan, who met in high school and remained close throughout their time at Taipei National University of the Arts, were driven by a shared love for music. Their journey began in 2012 as "Party at Cao Dong Street," a name inspired by the bustling street in Taipei's Shilin District, a place where they often found themselves, whether it was Lin skateboarding or Chan running alongside him.
Their early sound, infused with the electronic rock influences of Two Door Cinema Club, resonated on campus and beyond. However, a series of lineup changes, including the departures of their original bassist and drummer, led them to rebrand as "No Party For Cao Dong" in 2014. The band found new collaborators in FUBAR frontman Sam Cheng on bass and Leo Liu on drums, injecting fresh energy into their sound.
A Year of Silence, a New Beginning:
The band’s trajectory took an unexpected turn when Cheng was called up for military service, forcing them into a year-long hiatus. This period of reflection proved crucial for No Party For Cao Dong, as they began to approach their music with a newfound seriousness. They sought to craft something more meaningful, a sound that truly reflected their evolving selves.
Upon Cheng's return, the band decided to embrace a different direction, choosing to re-establish a solid foundation. They welcomed Sam Yang, another graduate of Taipei National University of the Arts, to fill the bass position. This lineup change, combined with their renewed focus, marked a significant turning point for No Party For Cao Dong.
The Beginning of a Legacy:
Their early tracks, "Old Zhang," "Grisly Me," and "Fifty," uploaded online, showcased their raw talent and their ability to translate personal experiences into powerful musical expressions. These tracks, imbued with a gritty, emotional intensity, became a harbinger of the band's future success, solidifying their place as a vital force in the world of Taiwanese indie rock.