Arch Enemy
Blood Dynasty
Century Media Records
You often get the feeling with metal that it’s been explored so completely there aren’t really many rich seams of music left to mine, that originality is to be found more at the fringes in the land of cross over and fusion. Some bands though are exceptional at reinventing their signature sound so well they become timeless. Arch Enemy have always had that knack, even surviving, nay thriving after not one but two lead vocalist transplants. They have become legendary for their stage craft and consistency of writing. Latest offering ‘Blood Dynasty’ their twelfth studio work continues in much the same vein, and it has to be said, then some! Fans will recognise the exhilarating tempo, the grandeur of the production and the brilliance of the musicianship. While the foundations and framework are familiar there is newness too. Alissa White-Gluz is not just in fine form here, she’s positively on fire. The controlled fry, growls and general brutal side of her vocal is sharper and more focussed than ever. And then on ‘Vivre Libre’ we get to hear the other side, a voice that ranges from honey sweet to powerful clean belts. Elsewhere it’s a pushing of the envelope with some lovely intros and clever arrangements led by the always fantastically well thought out guitars. This is classic Arch Enemy but reimagined for 2025, and the new songs will be a blast live. On this evidence the Arch Enemy dynasty looks set to continue for a long time yet.
Review by Gary Trueman