| Having still not been released domestically here in the States, and with no sign of a proper US release in the near future, I bit my lip and bought the new Arch Enemy disc rather than wait to be supplied a promo by whatever label puts it out. Import prices aside, I don't regret shelling out cash for this masterpiece one bit. Since the band's last album "Burning Bridges" was released in 1999, vocalist Johan Liiva quit the band to form another, leaving a vacant frontman spot. Amidst all the rumors, the group kept their collective mouths shut about who would fill the gap. Finally, it was announced that the frontman was not a man at all, but rather Angela Gossow was to take up the position destroying her throats over the soundtrack written by Daniel Erlandsson (younger brother of ex-At the Gates, Cradle of Filth drummer Adrian Erlandsson) and the Amott brothers (one of which played for the almighty Carcass). However, from listening alone, you'd never comprehend that a female was doing the screaming. Imagine, if you will, the ferocity of Chuck Schuldiner's (Death) scathing screams blended with a more straightforward low-end death metal growl. As for the music, Arch Enemy have proven with this album that they still know how to play with the aggression of their old Carcass days. "Wages of Sin" isn't a tenth as melodic and bubbly as previous efforts were, yet it loosely remains within the Swedish metal genre. Also, the guitarists' talent comes into play throughout entire songs, rather than saving it only for egomaniacal soloing. Albumr "Enemy Within" begins with a horror movie keyboard snippet which then sheds it's skin into a melodic metal masterpiece complete with galloping rhythms and harmonious leads. This track subsides into "Burning Angel", which may be the best cut on the album. Featuring a more depressing tone, yet remaining upbeat, the lead work is very eerie. Finally, "Behind the Smile" sees the group heading in an entirely different direction. Borrowing riffs from early death/black metal band Celtic Frost, and a slow, plodding beat, it sounds like a track from the late 80's death metal scene. Owning the disc, I feel somewhat saddened that so many others will have to wait for this album to be released domestically before they have the chance to be as excited as I am. It's safe to say that whenever the album comes out, it will fly off the shelves based on the band's history alone, but I think many listeners will be surprised at exactly how much ground Arch Enemy have covered with "Wages of Sin". |
