Arch Enemy

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, formed in 1996 by ex-Carcass guitarist Michael Amott. The band has released seven studio albums, a live album, two EPs, and a DVD (Live Apocalypse). The band was originally fronted by Johan Liiva; frontwoman Angela Gossow joined as lead vocalist in 2001.


With Johan Liiva (1996-2001)
Arch Enemy, the brainchild of Michael Amott (ex-Carcass, Carnage and Spiritual Beggars) was originally assembled when Michael Amott left the legendary British death metal/goregrind band Carcass. Guitarists Michael Amott and younger brother Christopher Amott (Armageddon) joined forces with vocalist Johan Liiva (ex-Carnage, Furbowl, Devourment) and then-session drummer Daniel Erlandsson (Eucharist) in what Michael Amott called "an attempt to merge melody with aggression and technicality."

The band's debut, entitled Black Earth, was released by the now defunct Wrong Again Records in 1996. It obtained a fair amount of success in Japan, achieving MTV rotation with their first single "Bury Me an Angel", as well as moderate success in Sweden. At this point, Arch Enemy was more of a "solo effort" than a full band: Michael Amott wrote all the songs himself, and even played bass guitar on the album, contrary to the album's liner notes, which listed vocalist Johan Liiva as handling bass duties. Amott later revealed that he had the credits listed that way to make the album seem more of a "band" effort. Many consider it to be the band's most aggressive album, a trait that was softened to some degree on its following releases, but never abandoned.

After the release of Black Earth the band switched labels, signing a contract with Century Media. In 1998 Arch Enemy released Stigmata, for which bassist Martin Bengtsson and drummer Peter Wildoer joined the band. This album obtained the attention of a wider audience, gaining popularity in both Europe and America. This was also the first Arch Enemy album to be released worldwide.

In 1999, Sharlee D'Angelo assumed the role of Arch Enemy's bassist, and Daniel Erlandsson was once again recruited to handle drum duties, this time on a permanent basis. Burning Bridges was released, and was soon followed by the live album Burning Japan Live 1999, which was initially a release limited to Japan, but later given worldwide distribution due to demands from fans. During the touring-cycle for Burning Bridges Sharlee D'Angelo was temporarily replaced twice, first by Dick Lövgren (Meshuggah, ex-Armageddon, ex-In Flames) and secondly, by Roger Nilsson (ex-Spiritual Beggars, Firebird, The Quill). Burning Bridges marked a shift in Arch Enemy's core sound, now opting for a more melodic approach, while still keeping the brutal heaviness of the first two albums.

In 2001 vocalist Johan Liiva was asked to quit the band. Michael Amott stated that the he wanted a more "dynamic frontman", and that Liiva's live performance was not up to par with the rest of the band. Liiva was soon replaced by amateur German journalist, and death metal vocalist Angela Gossow, who had given a demo tape to Christopher Amott earlier that year during an interview she had conducted with him. Gossow proved to be a competent singer and was received warmly by most fans.


With Angela Gossow (2001-current)
The first album with songs featuring Gossow was Wages of Sin, released in 2001. In December of the same year, Arch Enemy took part in the "Japan's Beast Feast 2002" concert, playing alongside Slayer and Motörhead.

Anthems of Rebellion was released in 2003 and brought some innovations, such as the use of a second voice singing in harmony, for example in "End of the Line" and "Dehumanization". In November of the following year, the band released the EP Dead Eyes See No Future, which featured live recordings, along with covers of Manowar, Megadeth and Carcass songs.

In June of 2005, Arch Enemy finished the recording of their sixth album, Doomsday Machine. In July 2005, guitarist Christopher Amott left the band in order to focus on his personal life. He was temporarily replaced by guitarist Gus G. (ex-Dream Evil, Firewind), and then by Fredrik Åkesson. Christopher returned on a permanent basis in March 2007, shortly before the band entered the studio to begin recording their new album with producer Fredrik Nordström (Who has produced acts such as In Flames, Soilwork). [2] Åkesson would then go on to become Opeth's new lead guitarist in May, 2007. An album from Arch Enemy's earlier work, "Black Earth," was reissued on April 24, 2007. Liiva's vocals are present on the album.


Recent events
Arch Enemy played the Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2007, between Sabbat and In Flames. [3]

Gossow has been quoted saying the album has more emotion and less double vocals. [4]

Arch Enemy have been added to the The Black Crusade tour at the end of 2007, with Machine Head, Trivium, DragonForce and Shadows Fall. With this, as reported on the band's website. Michael Amott posted that "These will be the first European shows we do with Arch Enemy after the release of our new album".


Line-up

Current members
Angela Gossow − Vocals (2001 - Present)
Michael Amott − Lead Guitar, Clean Backing Vocals (1996 - Present)
Christopher Amott − Guitar (1996 - 2005, 2007 - Present)
Sharlee D'Angelo − Bass Guitar (1999 - Present)
Daniel Erlandsson − Drums (1996 - 1997, 1999 - Present)

Former members
Johan Liiva − Vocals (1996-2001)
Martin Bengtsson − Bass Guitar (1997-1998)
Peter Wildoer − Drums (1997-1998)
Fredrik Åkesson − Guitar (2005-2007)

Sessional members
Dick Lövgren − Touring Bassist (1999)
Roger Nilsson − Touring Bassist (1999-2000)
Gus G. − Touring Guitarist (2005), guest guitar solo on Doomsday Machine ("Taking Back My Soul")