Arch Enemy
Doomsday Machine

THE REVIEW

What can I say?
Arch Enemy have made history with their original and personal melodic Death-metal that also takes inspiration from Death and Thrash.

Led by (in my opinion, the gorgeous) Angela Gossow, the real leaders have been the two brothers Chris and Michal Amott, the latter having been in numerous bands like Carcass of “Heartwork” and Spiritual Beggars. This latest album comes with the expectation of being the follow-up to their previous album “Wages of Sin,” thus capturing everyone's attention. “Doomsday Machine” indeed is well-conceived, but it has many sides and therefore needs careful analysis: the album opens with "Enter the machine", an epic instrumental ballad that sends shivers down the listener's spine with every listen. But the first real sonic assault is "Taking back my soul", which perfectly connects to the final riff of the previous song, leaving the listener shocked by the fury of the initial riff. Angela's growl and the Amott brothers' solos have never been so effective and well-placed as in this song. So a strong and well-aimed start that suggests a great CD. "Nemesis", the following track and the first single from the album for the group, is also a true bomb alternating between melodic and angry parts while always maintaining speed.
"My apocalipse" instead lowers the tone in terms of speed and anger, maintaining the usual alternation of verses with tough riffs and melodic choruses. In the song, in my opinion, the acoustic part is less suitable before returning to the verse. Another highlight of the CD is "I am legend/Out for blood", extremely violent with a central death/brutal riff with fearsome blast beats, a true mosh pit piece. The instrumental "Hybrids of Steel" instead is a beautiful mixture of the personal tastes of the guitarist songwriters, who insert jazz and acoustic parts, always alternating in a metal key.

“Doomsday Machine” is a good album characterized by excellent production and memorable songs, but it's not a masterpiece like “Burning Bridges” or “Stigmata”.

Let's hope the next work is much more thought out!