Michael Amott Says Jeff Loomis Will be on the Next Arch Enemy Album

A lot of us got (very) understandably excited last year when it was announced that Jeff Loomis, inarguably one of metal’s finest guitar players, would be touring with Arch Enemy throughout 2015. Still, it was unclear whether or not Loomis would remain in the band beyond this year, which is to say, whether or not he would be a part of the next Arch Enemy album, or he was really just “filling in” for a spell.

Well, it appears we now have our answer! In a new video interview with On the Rock, founding AE guitarist Michael Amott says (transcription via Blabbermouth):

“I’m really looking forward to the next album at some point and working with Jeff as well, which is something that I’m really looking forward to.”

Loomis was sitting right next to Amott when Amott made this comment, and, furthermore, he started grinning when Amott made this comment, so it seems fair to assume that this is something they’ve discussed and is actually happening. Shit can go always go wrong between now and the release of the next Arch Enemy album, but now we know that at the very least, Loomis plans to stick around for awhile.

I guess the real question is: will Loomis be allowed to contribute to the writing phase of the record? On the one hand, I don’t think it’s any secret that Amott is really the creative leader in Arch Enemy, and speaking generally, it’s very common for any band’s newest member to not write for his or her debut album with the band.

On the other hand, we’re not just talking about any old new member here — we’re talking about JEFF FUCKING LOOMIS. He’s already proved a billion times over that he’s a great songwriter as well as a total guitar god. Why hire a musician of such monumental stature if you don’t plan to take full advantage of his talents?

You can watch the On the Rock interview below. I can’t imagine Arch Enemy’s first album with Jeff Loomis will arrive any sooner than 2016, frowny face.