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Arch Enemy

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Band Timeline

1995

Formation of Arch Enemy

Arch Enemy was formed in 1995 in Halmstad, Sweden by guitarist Michael Amott and vocalist Johan Liiva. Both founding members were part of the influential death metal band Carnage before forming Arch Enemy. The band was originally a supergroup of members from other well-known metal bands such as Carcass, Armageddon, and Mercyful Fate. This formation marked the beginning of what would become one of melodic death metal's most prominent bands.
1996

Release of Debut Album: Black Earth

Arch Enemy recorded their debut album, Black Earth, over nine days at Studio Fredman. It was released in 1996 through the now-defunct Wrong Again Records. This album established the band's melodic death metal sound and introduced them to the underground metal scene, building a foundation for their future success.
1998

Stigmata Album and Lineup Changes

In 1998, Arch Enemy signed with Century Media and released their second album, Stigmata. This album expanded their audience in Europe and America with its worldwide release. The lineup included new members bassist Martin Bengtsson and drummer Peter Wildoer. Stigmata helped Arch Enemy gain further recognition and marked an important step in their growth as a band.
1999

Burning Bridges and Further Lineup Developments

The band released Burning Bridges in 1999, featuring Sharlee D'Angelo on bass and Daniel Erlandsson returning on drums. The album was followed by a live album, Burning Japan Live 1999. During the tour cycle, the bass position saw temporary replacements. These years were crucial for establishing the band's live concert reputation and solidifying their core lineup.
2000

Vocalist Change: Angela Gossow Joins

In November 2000, original vocalist Johan Liiva departed and was replaced by German vocalist Angela Gossow. This was a significant moment as Gossow became one of the pioneering female vocalists in extreme metal, bringing a new dynamic to the band's sound and public identity.
2001

Release of Wages of Sin with Angela Gossow

Arch Enemy released Wages of Sin, their first album featuring Angela Gossow on vocals. The album showcased the renewed energy and vocal style brought by Gossow. The band also participated in the Japan's Beast Feast 2002 concert alongside major acts like Slayer and Motörhead, increasing their visibility on the international metal scene.
2003

Anthems of Rebellion and Musical Innovations

The band released Anthems of Rebellion, an album that introduced innovations including dual vocal harmonies on certain tracks like 'End of the Line' and 'Dehumanization.' This period also saw the release of the Dead Eyes See No Future EP in 2004, featuring live performances and covers. A Japan tour followed, reinforcing the band's strong presence in the Asian metal scene.
2005

Doomsday Machine and Guitarist Departure

Arch Enemy completed recording Doomsday Machine in June 2005. Shortly after, guitarist Christopher Amott left the band to focus on personal matters. Temporary replacements were brought in for live performances until Amott returned in 2007. Doomsday Machine solidified Arch Enemy's status within melodic death metal with its complex compositions and aggressive style.
2007

Rise of the Tyrant Album and Chart Success

The band released their seventh album, Rise of the Tyrant, in September 2007. It debuted at number 84 on the Billboard 200, their highest charting album at the time, surpassing previous efforts. This album featured a rawer sound and less vocal processing. The band played major festivals such as Bloodstock Open Air and continued to grow their fanbase internationally.
2014

Angela Gossow Leaves Front Role and Becomes Manager

In March 2014, Angela Gossow stepped down as lead vocalist but remained with Arch Enemy as the band's manager. She was succeeded by Canadian vocalist Alissa White-Gluz. This marked a new era for the band, maintaining its aggressive style while introducing White-Gluz's vocal talents, which helped sustain their prominence in the melodic death metal genre.

Albums

arch-enemy_1st_album
Black Earth
11 tracks
1996
arch-enemy_2nd_album
Stigmata
12 tracks
1998
arch-enemy_3rd_album
Burning Bridges
8 tracks
1999
arch-enemy_4th_album
Wages of Sin
11 tracks
2001
arch-enemy_5th_album
Anthems of Rebellion
13 tracks
2003
arch-enemy_6th_album
Doomsday Machine
13 tracks
2005
arch-enemy_7th_album
Rise of the Tyrant
11 tracks
2007
arch-enemy_8th_album
The Root of All Evil
13 tracks
2009
arch-enemy_9th_album
Khaos Legions
16 tracks
2011
arch-enemy_10th_album
War Eternal
13 tracks
2014
arch-enemy_11th_album
Will to Power
14 tracks
2017
arch-enemy_12th_album
Deceivers
11 tracks
2022
arch-enemy_13th_album
Blood Dynasty
11 tracks
2025
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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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