Look, I know some of you have had issues with ARCH ENEMY for years. Guess what? No one cares.
That said, let’s take a look at the new record, Blood Dynasty (out now via Century Media Records). In a word: hellacious.
The guitars are incendiary — think Russell Hammond ripping “Fever Dog” levels of hot — and Alissa White-Gluz’s vocals? They’ll burn houses down faster than the West Canaan Coyotes on a Friday night. Think I’m exaggerating? Go straight to track two, “Illuminate the Path.” I ain’t lying.
Let’s talk about the opener, “Dream Stealer.” Man alive, this one’s got rows of teeth like a Great White. Then there’s “March of the Miscreants,” a personal rallying cry and a total stomper.
“A Million Suns” takes the heavy/vicious baton and runs it into the end zone like a team that’s already up 48–17 — no participation trophies here. “Don’t Look Down” is a sonic haymaker, and the title track paints a vivid picture without painting the band into a corner.
“Paper Tiger”? That’s 100% my favorite track on an album full of contenders. It’s a bulldozer headed for that house you just finished building — in the best way possible. “Vivre Libre” is both beautiful and haunting — goddamn — while “The Pendulum” swings for your head. If you get hurt, you’ll thank it.
Closing things out is “Liars & Thieves,” yet another standout in a lineup of nothing but standouts.
Bottom line: ARCH ENEMY knocked it out of the park. Again. As per ushe.
Guitarist Michael Amott, drummer Daniel Erlandsson, bassist Sharlee D’Angelo, guitarist Joey Concepcion, and the incomparable Alissa White-Gluz have delivered one of their best records to date. You’d be nuts not to get this one in your ears, fast. Just sayin’.
STANDOUT TRACKS: ALL OF THEM
– THE MAESTRO
