THE ALBUM OF THE DAY IS…
ARCH ENEMY, WAGES OF SIN
Right from the get go, Arch Enemy- founded by ex-Carcass guitarist Michael Amott and his brother Christopher- was a kickass project, redefining the boundaries of metal alongside other such Swedish luminaries as At the Gates and In Flames. But it was this album that truly defined the band’s sound and stands, to this day, as their greatest achievement. Mysognistic purists continue to scoff at the very presence of German-born vocalist Angela Gossow, but growling is more varied and unique than predecessor Johan Liiva’s, and no less fierce- as a matter of fact, Gossow has repeatedly bristled at the very notion of adding melodic singing to the band’s music. “Enemy Within,” “Web of Lies,” “Ravenous,” “Burning Angel,” or my personal favorite, “Savage Messiah”- there isn’t a bad song on the album; the Amott brothers outdid themselves on this album, and even Michael himself recently said he’d like to get back to this sound for the band’s upcoming release after their more recent, considerably darker discs. Arch Enemy are a band that break open doors and kick ass, and this is their finest hour.
-AR
Buy Wages of Sin
