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ARCH ENEMY ‘Doomsday Machine’ Century Media (2005)
All fans of Arch Enemy should be bright eyed and on their way to the record store to pick up the band’s new offering, entitled simply ‘Doomsday Machine’. After the band’s phenomenal success with ‘Anthems of Rebellion’, followed by a whirlwind tour throughout Europe, where they even headlined (only in the UK, mind) with Nevermore playing as support (I will not open up that discussion here), Arch Enemy have taken the melodic Death Metal world by storm and seem intent on maintaining their position.
Mike Amott, the band’s mastermind, describes ‘Doomsday Machine’ as ‘...more technical, more melodic, more brutal...’. Isn’t that what everyone is saying these days, though? Doomsday Machine is, indeed, another massive album, more technical and more melodic. More brutal, compared to Anthems of Rebellion it is not, in my opinion, however, this can distract from the main point, which is that ‘Doomsday Machine’ is a far more complex album than the band’s previous effort.
My opinion has changed several times about this new release, however - on some occasions I believe that it is a very solid album and on others I become distracted by the ‘more melodic’ elements that do not always fit that well with the brutal vocals of Angela Gossow. The real highlight, of course, is Mike Amott’s signature sound, which is unmistakable, whether you are listening to Spiritual Beggars, Carcass or any other of his musical involvements.
‘Doomsday Machine’ really starts to grab from ‘My Apocalypse’, which uses some interesting electronic samples to create a futuristic atmosphere and is somewhat more straightforward than the previous tracks of the album. The more melodic guitar solo of this song is better integrated than on the previous tracks and provides for a better structure overall. In some parts, it even reminds me of the late ‘90s Rotting Christ albums, before it switches back to the typical aggressive, powerful Arch Enemy sound. ‘I am Legend/ Out for Blood’ ‘s killer riff sounds as if it could have been the intro on an old Iced Earth album, before Angela’s brutal screams set the record straight again.
Overall, I believe that ‘Doomsday Machine’ shows definite progress in the band’s sound and musical direction. The question remains as to whether the fans will appreciate this new added dimension and continue to be as loyal as they have been to date.
***½
Review by Emily Dgebuadze
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