01. Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude In F Minor) 02. Never Forgive, Never Forget 03. War Eternal 04. As The Pages Burn 05. No More Regrets 06. You Will Know My Name 07. Graveyard Of Dreams 08. Stolen Life 09. Time Is Black 10. On And On 11. Avalanche 12. Down To Nothing 13. Not Long For This World

Verdict: 7

Arch Enemy - War Eternal Review

It's not easy to loose a singer and front person like Angella Gossow, she practically did the impossible and has become somewhat of a legend when it comes to female growling. I guess that the rest of the band considered if this would be the end of Arch Enemy more than once during the search for a replacement. Two videos has been released previous to the album release, the title track war eternal and You Will know My Name. The videos gives Alissa a possibility to be introduced without any contradictions, showcasing her singing ability to the audience. I guess you all already have heard them and made your mind up regarding Alissa. Judging by the things Alissa stated early on, Angela was indeed involved in the job herself.

And surely they have found a great singer in Alissa, rest assured that this lady can growl her way to hell and back. I can't think of anyone that would suit the bill better.

So what has the former Carcass guitarist Michael Amot and the rest of Arch Enemy managed to forge musically? This is just what we have come used to over the last decade, easy listening mello-death metal. The songs are flawless and the melody lines are sugar sweet with some interesting turns and twists. War Eternal is a perfectly natural development from Khaos Legions and the standard of the songs are really high

But I get the impression that they want to play things somewhat safe, the musical style is really familiar. The surprise really lies in the production of the vocals. It is perfectly possible to interpret the lyrics even if you aren't trying. The growling of Alissa is almost melodic and that is something to boast about in a world full of Cookie Monsters that no one understand.

Successful introduction of new singer, check!

The true trial by fire really is with the next album, how will Arch Enemy evolve from this point?

Michael Amott comment regarding the new album War Eternal:

“Musically, this album is going a few places we haven’t visited before. As our fans have come expect, our albums have all had their own vibe and War Eternal will leave its own mark. Lyrically it’s a much more personal record, and I feel the songs have more dynamics and depth than ever before. The songs are loaded with strong and vicious metal, drenched in tons of melody and emotion. All the trademarks of Arch Enemy are present, just more in your face and turned up to 11.”

Well I don't know about that but it sure is a good album.