Arch Enemy & The Black Dahlia Murder

Arch Enemy & The Black Dahlia Murder

Time passes, the world changes, but some things remain constant and unassailable. Heavy metal has endured for more than four decades because its spirit is eternal, and few bands embody the intensity, integrity and lofty artistic ambitions of the genre with more dazzling aplomb than Arch Enemy. Formed in Sweden in the mid-90s by former Carcass/Carnage guitarist Michael Amott, this most explosive and proficient of modern metal bands have spent the last 20 years propagating an unerring creed of technical excellence, songwriting genius and thunderous, irresistible live performance.

"The band's core musical philosophy hasn't changed much since I started the band," says Amott. "It's still about creating intense heavy metal with extreme vocals and a lot of melody in the guitars. We've always loved writing and meticulously crafting the best songs possible, that's the main motivation for us."

When Arch Enemy released their debut album Black Earth in 1996, death metal was stagnating and in need of a kick. Amott’s blueprint proved an instant underground hit in Europe and Japan. Signed to Century Media Records for 1998’s Stigmata, Arch Enemy continued to build momentum: 1999’s Burning Bridges refined their razor-sharp blend of brutality and epic melody, and 2001’s Wages Of Sin — featuring new vocalist Angela Gossow — showcased a revitalised line-up and a newfound gift for immortal anthems.

The band dedicated themselves to relentless touring through the first decade of the 21st century. Albums like 2003’s Anthems Of Rebellion and 2011’s Khaos Legions ensured that Amott and his bandmates — Gossow, drummer Daniel Erlandsson, bassist Sharlee D’Angelo and Michael’s guitarist sibling Christopher — remained respected veterans at the height of their powers.

"Surviving and thriving in the metal scene is not always easy," Amott admits. "Contrary to what I've seen a lot of people say, I feel the scene is actually quite trend driven and it's impossible to be at the peak of your popularity all the time. In the past two decades we've seen a lot of trends and bands come and go. What I've always believed to be important is to stay true to yourself and the reasons why you started. Why you love music must always be at the forefront. I'm pretty good at keeping the 15-year-old Michael Amott alive in my heart!"

In 2015 Angela Gossow left the band to become its manager and Arch Enemy introduced former The Agonist frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz. Unveiled on the ferocious, anthem-laden 2014 album War Eternal, Alissa's powerful identity and vocal talents proved a natural fit. Further touring and the later addition of guitarist Jeff Loomis (formerly of Nevermore) completed the musical lineup.

Event details:
- Promoter: AEG Presents
- Headliners: Arch Enemy & The Black Dahlia Murder
- With support: Septicflesh, Crypta, Thrown Into Exile
- Date: Thursday, October 8
- Doors: 5:00 PM
- All Ages
- Venue: Rockwell at The Complex