Arch Enemy

[infinitestrain]

Well I'm sure you have all discussed this before, but I am new to the forums here and figured that I would go ahead and ask what you all think of 'em. Now before there was a guy that did vocals for Arch Enemy (Johan Liiva) and now Angela Gossow. So I'm just gonna tell you all that I think Angela fu**ing rocks! I never paid any attention, nor have I heard any of Arch Enemy's sh** with Johan Liiva on vocals. Now before You judge me on what you think of me as an Arch Enemy fan because I have not acknowleged Johan's stuff, I will soon. So what album of all those Arch Enemy lover's out there would suggest to me to listen too? And also who do you think did a better job of "fronting the band?" Just interested in what you all think, answer back; or not.

I have not included a bio so I'll put one in: Bio taken from Wikipedia:

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.

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.

With Angela Gossow (2001-Present)
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.

Line up:
Angela Gossow - Vocals
Michael Amott - Guitar
Fredrik Åkesson - Guitar
Sharlee D'Angelo - Bass
Daniel Erlandsson - Drums

Key:
*With Johan
^With Angela

Discography:
1996 Black Earth*
1998 Stigmata*
1999 Burning Bridges*
2000 Burning Japan Live 1999*
2001 Wages of Sin^
2003 Anthems of Rebellion^
2005 Doomsday Machine^

[Shattered_Future]

Angela is the better vocalist and frontperson. However, Stigmata (the band's second album) is one of the greatest things ever released in the melodeath community. It is a crime to pass that album over.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Angela is the better vocalist and frontperson. However, Stigmata (the band's second album) is one of the greatest things ever released in the melodeath community. It is a crime to pass that album over.

QFT, although admittedly this is the only AE album I own. I will get Wages of Sin some time in the future.

[Hate Crew Deathroll]

I think Angela slays the dude, hands down. I watched their live DVD last night and got shivers everytime she screamed, she's actually got a fukking good voice.

[VomitStainedCretin]

She scares me in the chorus to Dead Bury Their Dead (a personal fave of mine). Who would believe such sounds could come out her sweet Germanic mouth?

[Sleepy]

She was funny live. I'd hate to tour with her, though, she acts like she's on a constant PMS and broke 3 mics, 2 of them by chucking them at the floor.

"So much ****ing drama the first few songs. I'll calm down now."

-Actual quote

I used to like AE a lot but I've lost interest in them as time went by.

[Drunken Viking]

You guys are crazy Johan >>>>>> Angela, however I do prefer their newer stuff (post Johan) to their old with the exception of Stigmata. Because I mean c'mon, it's Stigmata.

[Luc214]

I have two of their newer albums, Wages Of Sin and Doomsday Machine. I also have Black Earth, but I don't care for it too much. I have yet to get Stigmata/

[Shattered_Future]

She scares me in the chorus to Dead Bury Their Dead (a personal fave of mine). Who would believe such sounds could come out her sweet Germanic mouth?

That song was totally ownage live. Sooo damn brutal.

[Super Nintendo]

arch enemy is awesome, and i actually prefer angela to a lot of other metal singers

[pate]

I've seen them live twice. They put on a pretty good show.

[infinitestrain]

Angela is the better vocalist and frontperson. However, Stigmata (the band's second album) is one of the greatest things ever released in the melodeath community. It is a crime to pass that album over.

Well I think I will go ahead and make a purchase. I do have Wages of Sin, Doomsday Machine, and Anthems of Rebellion. Of the three; Wages of Sin is definately the better album. But I do like Doomsday Machine quite a bit, songs like Carry the Cross, and My Apocalypse are freakin' sweet!

[metalhead_matt]

the guy vocalist was ****, angela's so much better. although the anthems of rebellion vocals are a bit ****. but saying that, she lost her voice after the wages of sin album due to bad technique, so anthems of rebellion is forgivable to say she had to learn how to talk again.
arch enemy rocked at download :P

[infinitestrain]

Funny you mention that, 'cause I knew something was a little off on that album (Anthems of Rebellion). That and I think this was the worst of the three obviously from my previous statement.

[Luc214]

Well I think I will go ahead and make a purchase. I do have Wages of Sin, Doomsday Machine, and Anthems of Rebellion. Of the three; Wages of Sin is definately the better album. But I do like Doomsday Machine quite a bit, songs like Carry the Cross, and My Apocalypse are freakin' sweet!

I personally think Doomsday Machine is better.

[VomitStainedCretin]

That song was totally ownage live. Sooo damn brutal.

Funny you should mention it, the first time I heard that song was live and it is sure fvcking intense.

[metalhead_matt]

they got any UK dates set?

[Apocalyptic Raids]

Johan was in Carnage.

Therefore, Johan > Angela.

[metalhead_matt]

does he ****, hes awful at growling.
and angela has breasts
therefore, angela > titless

[Apocalyptic Raids]

Angela can't growl for ****, and she is ugly anyway.

[metalhead_matt]

she's good for a girl. and I'd rather bed angela than johan tbh

[Hate Crew Deathroll]

She's good, end of.

[VomitStainedCretin]

she's good for a girl. and I'd rather bed angela than johan tbh

123 :chug:

[AA-12]

Johan was in Carnage.

Therefore, Johan > Angela.

Exactly.

This band blows though.

[infinitestrain]

Well I guess it's safe to say that Angela freaking rules then. I think the band benefits from this as well. Her voice suits the mood of the music better than Johan.

[infinitestrain]

Whatever Woton, they are the sh**!

[AA-12]

More like they are total ****. :p

I'm just messing around. Definitely not a fan though.

[infinitestrain]

More like they are total ****. :p

I'm just messing around. Definitely not a fan though.

Eh that's respectable man, there are quite a few bands that people listen to and wonder why I don't, and I simply would just say what you said. I would say I feel that way about Disturbed, and Godsmack you know? But Deftones have thier own sound which is why I like them you know? But yeah man it's all good.

[AA-12]

I at least agree when it comes to those bands :)

[Apocalyptic Raids]

she's good for a girl.
That doesn't mean she is a better vocalist. Just because she's female doesn't mean you should lower your standards.

Then again, it would probably be safe to assume your standards are crap anyway.

[eug008]

Alright band, saw them live at Gigantour and they put on a great act.

[metalhead_matt]

That doesn't mean she is a better vocalist. Just because she's female doesn't mean you should lower your standards.

Then again, it would probably be safe to assume your standards are crap anyway.

mom I got burned.
let's just put it down to difference in opinion

[infinitestrain]

I at least agree when it comes to those bands :)

Right on :thumb:

[metalhead_matt]

so yeah, any UK dates from AE yet?

[donteatpieontuesday]

this band is awesome, i recently saw them at gigantour in melbourne, they are like a more death metal version of slayer.

[metalhead_matt]

what? nooo

[AA-12]

^Beat me there.

[metalhead_matt]

your avatar and details are great lol

[Det_Nosnip]

Angela is definitely a better vocalist IMO. To be honest, a big part of the reason why I don't listen to older AE more is because I can't stand the vocals.

[Kingofdudes]

does he ****, hes awful at growling.
and angela has breasts
therefore, angela > titless

Angela looks like a dude :-/

I prefer Johan, Bridge of Destiny ftw

[infinitestrain]

Angela is definitely a better vocalist IMO. To be honest, a big part of the reason why I don't listen to older AE more is because I can't stand the vocals.

Are his vocals that bad? I have listened to Stigmata a little, not much, but I still stand by what I had to say, Angela freakin' rules! Stigmata is a pretty good album however.

[VomitStainedCretin]

What are you guys' fave songs off Stigmata?
My top 3 are probably Tears of the Dead, Beast of Man and either Sinister Mephisto or Let the Killing Begin. However there arent really any "bad" songs on the album, although Im not a huge fan of Black Earth and Dark of the Sun is a bit too repetetive.

[Benzum]

Stigmata is their best release, or at least the one I enjoy the most, along with parts off Black Earth

Basically.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Is Black Earth difficult to get hold of because Id be interested in hearing the whole album (Ive heard Dark Insanity(love) & Bury Me An Angel already)

[Benzum]

Well it's easily downloadable, like anything else
It's really an album which needs to be listented to from start to finish, hearing individual tracks breaks the feel of it
If you are a part of the Daily Upload, I might upload Black Earth sometime in the next few days.

If you need to hear it sooner, get to work

[VomitStainedCretin]

Im not desperate to hear it, I have other albums higher on my priority list, but I do want to hear it at some point in the not too distant future. Ive heard from somewhere that its virtually impossible to find on record because W.A.R. Records is now defunct, but I might be wrong.

[Shattered_Future]

I actually found it in my local FYE, which was pretty cool.

It's a decent album, but it's way too short.

Faves from Stigmata...

Bridge Of Destiny (the outro is probably the greatest riff ever)
Let The Killing Begin
Tears Of The Dead

[VomitStainedCretin]

Faves from Stigmata...

Bridge Of Destiny (the outro is probably the greatest riff ever)


Yeah, it isnt one of my faves, but the outro is immensely epic.

[pate]

I like Angela's vocals more, but I like the music of Johan-era more.

[Det_Nosnip]

Meh...for me, Wages of Sin is Arch Enemy at its best. Enemy Within = :amaze:

[Shattered_Future]

Meh...for me, Wages of Sin is Arch Enemy at its best. Silent Wars = :amaze:

Especially since Silent Wars is off of Anthems. :p :smash:

[Det_Nosnip]

Haha...whoops, I meant "Enemy Within." Although, Silent Wars rules too.

[Shattered_Future]

Enemy Within is pretty awesome. Killer opening song.

[infinitestrain]

Enemy Within is pretty awesome. Killer opening song.

Yeah Enemy Within is a good tune, but I can't yet decide on a fav on Stigmata. I'm still listening to it, enjoying it more, because I had to get used to Johan's vocal style a little. I started listening to AE when she started. Wages of Sin was the first album I listened to and I was blown away by it. I would have to say that Stigmata is a decent album, it's just one of those albums that you got to listen to a little you know? I don't know maybe I'm wrong about that 'cause I started listening to them so late but oh well. I'm definately enjoying thier old stuff alot though.

[metalhead_matt]

about the whole vocalist debate earlier...

imagine angela's vocals on stigmata. stigmata is a ****in great album, but johans vocals are boring, angela's vocals scream death at me.
i prefer the earlier music, later vocals

I CALL STIGMATA RE-RELEASE

[Shattered_Future]

No rerelease. That album is produced perfectly.

Just rerecord the vocals.

[metalhead_matt]

thats what I meant. its awesome :p

[infinitestrain]

about the whole vocalist debate earlier...

imagine angela's vocals on stigmata. stigmata is a ****in great album, but johans vocals are boring, angela's vocals scream death at me.
i prefer the earlier music, later vocals

I CALL STIGMATA RE-RELEASE

That's what I'm talking about! But then again Johan pulls it off I think.

[infinitestrain]

Posted bio. Feel free to discuss Arch Enemy.

[Det_Nosnip]

I saw them at Gigantour....****in' ruled. Probably the best show that day, actually...counting Opeth.

[pate]

I've seen them twice. They put on a good show.

[infinitestrain]

I have to see them, when the hell do you think they will tour again?

[Det_Nosnip]

Probably pretty soon...they like to tour alot.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Do you think AE will have an album in the works soon?

[Det_Nosnip]

*shrug* Hopefully. I wonder what they'll sound like without the other Amott.

[Shattered_Future]

Mike wrote most of the music, and the other guy doesn't seem to be a slouch at guitar...I'm guessing there won't be much of a difference.

Though I do miss Chris. The chemistry they had on stage was a lot more noticeable than with this new dude.

[Hate Crew Deathroll]

*shrug* Hopefully. I wonder what they'll sound like without the other Amott.

Not too different, the new dude is perfectly capable of playing some scary stuff. I was watching the DVD they recorded in London and he plays this 16th note solo at like 200bpm perfectly, didn't even look like he was trying, I was impressed.

The drum solo is pretty sick too.

[Det_Nosnip]

Yeah, it was. That's a rad DVD for sure. Angela sounds awesome.

[Shattered_Future]

There was almost no cymbal sound in the DVD though, and the one thing I didn't like about his drum solo is he used so many freaking backing loops to create some of the polyrhythms he was doing. I would have liked to see him try it using his drums (even though it's probably nigh impossible).

Angela was ridiculously awesome live. And sexaaaaay. :naughty:

[Det_Nosnip]

Yeah. She looked even hotter when I saw her live.

[eug008]

^^^
What he said. The growling is a severe turn-off though.

[ThunderBass]

^^^
What he said. The growling is a severe turn-off though.

really? it has the opposite effect on me... lol...

[pate]

Yeah. She looked even hotter when I saw her live.

She was hotter up close when I met her, which surprised me.

[Det_Nosnip]

Oh, you did the meet+greet? I wanted to, but didn't have cash on me and didn't feel like paying the $4 or so the ATM was charging.

[Shattered_Future]

I wanted to do that too, but it was at the same time as Opeth...

I had seen Opeth before though, and they weren't much different.

[pate]

Oh, you did the meet+greet? I wanted to, but didn't have cash on me and didn't feel like paying the $4 or so the ATM was charging.

Nah, not at Gigantour. I met them at Ozzfest last year...for free. Jagermeister tent FTW

[Det_Nosnip]

^^ Ah, nice. Ozzfest, eh? How long was the set...15 minutes?

I wanted to do that too, but it was at the same time as Opeth...

I had seen Opeth before though, and they weren't much different.

Yeah...they're consistent, but an Opeth show is usually an Opeth show, it seems. Although the time I saw them at Gigantour was a bit worse than the first 2 times, to be honest.

[pate]

Yeah...20 minutes. It kind of sucked but was worth all the money for Maiden and Sabbath.

I was at the same Gigantour as you, and I agree that the first two times I saw them were far better, even though I was at the railing right in front of Mendez at Gigantour.

[infinitestrain]

Sweet, you know I've been to alot of shows, and I've never gotten to meet a member in a band, which sucks. I'd like to meet Angela for sure though!

[pate]

She was definitely the friendliest member.

[rik]

I saw them with Strapping Young Lad supporting, was an amazing gig.

[Shattered_Future]

She was definitely the friendliest member.

I heard she hated fans though...

[pate]

She was the friendliest then, and the only member that was talking to/shaking hands with people.

[Det_Nosnip]

Maybe those who reported she hated them caught her at the wrong time of the month, if you catch my drift. ;)

[pate]

:lol: Maybe

[Spoonful of Shame]

I just listened to the whole Black Earth album today. It ****ing owns.

[Shattered_Future]

Maybe those who reported she hated them caught her at the wrong time of the month, if you catch my drift. ;)

Perhaps...