Arch Enemy (band)

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Arch Enemy
From left: Michael Amott, Fredrik Åkesson, Daniel Erlandsson, Angela Gossow, Sharlee D'Angelo
Background information
Origin Sweden Sweden
Genre(s) Melodic death metal
Years active 1996-present
Label(s) Century Media
Website http://www.archenemy.net
Members
Angela Gossow
Michael Amott
Fredrik Åkesson
Sharlee D'Angelo
Daniel Erlandsson
Former members
Johan Liiva
Christopher Amott
Martin Bengtsson
Peter Wildoer
Dick Lövgren
Gus G.
Roger Nilsson

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, formed in 1995 by ex Carcass guitarist Michael Amott. The band has released six studio albums, a live album and two EPs. Originally fronted by Johan Liiva, frontwoman Angela Gossow joined as lead vocalist in 2001.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] With Johan Liiva (1996-2001)

Arch Enemy, the brainchild of Michael Amott (ex-Carcass, Carnage and Spiritual Beggars) was originally assembled from the ashes of legendary British death metal/goregrind band Carcass. Guitarists Michael Amott and younger brother Christopher Amott (Armageddon) were joined by vocalist Johan Liiva (ex-Carnage) 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. Arch Enemy was more of a "solo effort" than a full band at this point: 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). Michael 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.

[edit] With Angela Gossow (2001-)

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 in the song "End of the Line". 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 its 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 on a permanent basis.

[edit] Gigantour 2

Arch Enemy have been confirmed for Gigantour 2, which Megadeth is to headline. The tour dates include performances in the United States, Canada and Australia, which Arch Enemy toured previously in 2005.

[edit] Live Apocalypse

Main article: Live Apocalypse

Arch Enemy released their first ever official DVD on August 8th (US,Canada), July 24th (Europe) and July 26th (Japan). The 2-disc set contains a full concert from The Forum in December 2004, three songs from Manchester (December 2005), interviews, and several videos. Cover art and a short teaser trailer can be seen at the official band site.

[edit] Line-up

[edit] Former members

[edit] Discography

Album Cover Date of Release Title Label US Billboard Peak US sales
1996 Black Earth W.A.R. Records, Century Media Records (2002 reissue) - -
April 21, 1998 Stigmata Century Media Records - -
July 27, 1999 Burning Bridges Century Media Records - -
December 5, 2000 Burning Japan Live 1999 Century Media Records - -
April 25, 2001 Wages of Sin Century Media Records - -
March 6, 2002 Burning Angel (EP) Century Media Records - -
August 26, 2003 Anthems of Rebellion Century Media Records - -
November 2, 2004 Dead Eyes See No Future (EP) Century Media Records - -
July 26, 2005 Doomsday Machine Century Media Records #87 -

[edit] External links

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