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Deceivers

    
       
       
       
     
             
Arch Enemy are a melodic death metal band from Sweden formed in 1995 by (former Carcass) guitarist Michael Arnott, and singer Johan Lilva - who fronted the band 'til he was replaced by Angela Gossow (ex Asmodina) in 2000. Gossow left Arch Enemy in 2014, and was replaced by Alissa White-Gluz (ex The Agonist). The band are completed by drummer Daniel Erlandsson, bassist Sharlee D'Angelo, and (second) guitarist Jeff Loomis. Arch Enemy have released eleven studio albums to date - with 2022's 'Deceivers', the bands eleventh.    
             
Now for anyone who knows me, melodic death metal sits just outside my preferred styles of metal - along with black and death - much preferring to listen to traditional heavy metal, power and thrash! A former work colleague, Vincent Maylen - better known as "Death Metal Maylen" - was forever trying to get me into death metal, often saying hello by way of a howling death metal growl! Our metal preferences did crossover in the realms of thrash, with bands such as Overkill and Kreator. But as for me becoming a fan of melodic death metal - sorry Vincent, it's never gonna happen! Or is it...?    
             
'Cause while I much prefer clean vocals, I can stomach the occasional harsh vocal performance - and I'm really amazed at how many singers can deliver both clean, and harsh vocals. Singers like Chuck Billy (Testament), Nora Sima (Esperfall), and Zoe Marie Federoff (Catalyst Crime). And Alissa White-Gluz too - for when I first heard 'Handshake With Hell', the bands third single off their new album, to say I was stunned is a fucking massive understatement! White-Gluz sings clean vocals alongside her trademark howling and growling. And the metal is more traditional flavoured than death devouring! Now I'm not saying I'm a convert Vincent, but 'Handshake With Hell' has definitely peaked my interest!    
             
And positioned as the opening song on 'Deceivers', 'Handshake With Hell' is an incredible opening salvo that immediately grabs your attention, holding on tightly and never letting go. The high melodious intent of 'Handshake With Hell' belies the death metal tag, yet perfectly sums up "melodic death metal". Arch Enemy have been around for over twenty five years, and established themselves as one of the premier exponents of melodic death metal. They are by far and away in a league of their own, dominating the genre, and ruling the world as a result. The band have performed everywhere, and earlier this year graced the legendary Wacken Open Air festival in Germany - performing five songs from the new album.    
             
So let's get back to the album - 'Handshake With Hell' a great opener that appeals to a wide array of fans. Fans of traditional metal, along with Arch Enemy's core following. The band open their music up to the worlds thrash metallers with the electrifying pace of the highly aggressive 'Deceiver, Deceiver'. And a head bang ability that is simply off the scale! A menacing intro brings 'In The Eye Of The Storm' to life, adopting the Judas Priest power driven style of metal. But it's White-Gluz's howling and growling vocals that take centre stage, her gut wrenching style beginning to remind me why I've avoided death metal all these years.    
             
The fast, thrashy pace of earlier makes an emphatic return in the shape of 'The Watcher', along with an incredibly anthemic chorus. Let me just check the lyrics and even I'll be able to sing along to this one! 'Poisoned Arrow' opens with a mellow guitar line, progressing to become the albums first foot stomping thunderstorm. By stark contrast, 'Sunset Over The Empire' takes on the mantle of old school traditional metal, the classic "foot on the monitor" feel very much in evidence. And the vocals - demonic and scary! Which is the complete opposite of the scream with which White-Gluz graces the beginning of 'House Of Mirrors' with! A traditional metal scream in the vein of Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden). What a range the Canadian singer has! As for the music, 'House Of Mirrors' is mid tempo, menacing, and will pulverise anything in its way.    
             
Past the halfway mark now, and it's amazing I've got this far - something I certainly wouldn't have done ten years ago. But then your tastes do change as you get older - Vincent kept on telling me! A dark and meaner feel descends upon the album with the foot stomping 'Spreading Black Wings', the menacing intro building a crescendo of terror. 'Mourning Star' is a two minute, eerie instrumental leading to the very heavy yet highly melodic, 'One Last Time' - featuring whispers of clean vocals in among White-Gluz's howls, growls, and snarls. Bringing 'Deceivers' to a close is the heavily melodic 'Exiled From Earth', replete with a tension fuelled intro that builds a high level of anticipation.    
             
So there it is - my first full listen to an Arch Enemy album. And to be honest, it wasn't bad! The metal was awesome, the vocals continue to grow on me, and 'Handshake With Hell', for me, was bloody outstanding! Will I go back and check out the bands back catalogue - yes, at some point. Will I look forward to the next Arch Enemy album - definitely not as much as my friend Vincent, but the band are now on my radar, and I will certainly be keeping my eyes and ears open for the next Arch Enemy release.    
             
Overall, an incredible blend of melodic traditional metal and thrash, with a howling, growling, snarling vocal performance.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
             
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