By: Anders

Posted: Oct 24, 2005

Arch Enemy is going through the big test each time they release an album. Since the start they have received stellar reviews, and many have doubted that they would get pass that when a new album was to be released. But each and every time the band has released an album topping the previous, but can that continue? It is now time for a new album from the Swedish band with the German growler, "Doomsday Machine" is the 6th full length album from the band and it follows the album "Anthems Of Rebellion" which more or less marked the break through of the band.

To be honest, I had expected the band to be more melodic and listenable than on "Anthems Of Rebellion", but what a surprise I got. Overall the sound and atmosphere on this album is much darker and melancholic. The music is a bit more technical, there are many straight forward pieces and overall it doesn't seem as melodic as the last couple of albums. Even though there are many melodies, but they are more hidden and darker and as written more technical, even though some of them are catchy as hell.

Musicianship-wise everything is good on here, both guitars are catchy, crunchy and right in your face. The main riffs are good and effective, and the leads and solos are at times amazing. The drumming is good and hard hitting, and at times very technical, and is well-varied, so it doesn't get boring. Good bass work as well, and the growls are good and more evil and aggressive than I ever would have thought would have been possible from Angela Gossow, she actually doesn't sound like a girl anymore.

The productions is nice and dark as well, and adds some sheer power behind the musical performance, and the mix is great as well, the instruments are well placed and all have lots of space to play around on. There are added some killer and very suiting electronic industrial elements, and that darkens the atmosphere quite a bit, and make the material reach a higher wholesome, desperate, reaching out, only to slit your throat. The album is aggressive and dark, as well as melodic and catchy, and is so far the best effort from Arch Enemy. That is more or less a cliché now, though let's see if they can keep it up, I for sure hope so.

Rating: 9/10

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