ARCH ENEMY „Anthems of Rebellion”

RUNNING TIME : 43:28

I know that there is already a review of this album on Metal Centre, but we are all entitled to our own opinion are we not?

I wasn’t expecting to like this at all as I felt so let down by last years Wages of Sin. For me, that album sounded exactly like everybody wanted it to. There were some good songs, but as a whole album, it just didn’t work for me. It was too Swedish.

On the first and second listen, I didn’t really know what to make of this newie either. Some songs stuck immediately in my head, others just passed me by. However, after repeated listens, I am happy to report that “Anthems…” is a darn good album. What makes it so good is the fact that it doesn’t sound at all Swedish – a style that is being done to death these days.

The first thing that strikes you when listening to this album is the production. I wouldn’t be lying if I said it boasts one of the best productions ever put on tape. Every instrument has its place, the drums sound really punchy and the guitars are set exactly right.

Every song is a classic in its own right, form the opening “Silent Wars” to the album closer “Saints and Sinners”. This is a very modern sounding death metal album, however I can see it appealing to anybody who enjoys listening to metal in general as it isn’t too “extreme”.

There are only two minor gripes I have with this album. The first is that the solos aren’t very imaginative. With the skill these two guys possess, surely they can come up with something to really make us sit up and listen. The second is that the lyrics are crap and whichever one of the Amott brothers is responsible for the backing vocals should take over full time as he is infinitely better than Angela. It’s not that she is a bad vocalist, it’s just that there is no variation to her style. I could see some clean vocals working very nicely on some of these songs. Maybe next time.

So, overall, a very solid and entertaining album, but lacking a bit in imagination in the vocals and solos department. These few complaints shouldn’t put you off from buying this album as it is one of the years best.