Armageddon 2, Arch Enemy 0

Armageddon, the band Christopher Amott recently reactivated after leaving Arch Enemy (again), are now two for two: the first new song we got to hear from their new album, “Captivity & Devourment,” was an absolute smasher… and so is “Thanatron,” which came out earlier today.

I don’t think it’s even a contest as to which Amott brother is making better music right now, or at least trying harder to push forward into new territory: Armageddon’s music is not only heavier, not only catchier, but it’s different — it’s got a bizarre, twisted sense of melody that’s very welcome to these admittedly jaded ears. Arch Enemy have been mostly re-treading the same ground for several albums now — not that there’s anything wrong with that, they’ve earned that license, and I still have plenty of love for Arch Enemy — but it just isn’t as exciting anymore. Armageddon feels way more exciting. And Amott’s guitar work is phenomenal!

Check out “Thanatron” below. Captivity & Devourment will be released later in 2014.