Arch Enemy

Members: Angela Gossow, Michael Amott, Fredrik Akesson, Sharlee D'Angelo, Daniel Erlandsson

Active: 1996-present

HISTORY

Arch Enemy, the brainchild of Michael Amott (ex-Carcass, Carnage and Spiritual Beggars) was originally assembled from the ashes of legendary British death metal/goregrind band Carcass. Guitarists Michael Amott and younger brother Christopher Amott (Armageddon) were joined by vocalist Johan Liiva (ex-Carnage) and then-session drummer Daniel Erlandsson (Eucharist) in what Michael Amott called "An attempt to merge melody with aggression and technicality."

The band's debut, entitled Black Earth was released by the now defunct Wrong Again Records in 1996. It obtained a fair amount of success in Japan, achieving MTV rotation with their first single "Bury Me An Angel", as well as moderate success in Sweden. More of a "solo effort" than a full band at this point, Michael Amott wrote all the songs himself, and even played bass guitar on the album - contrary to the album's liner notes, which listed vocalist Johan Liiva as handling bass duties. Michael Amott later revealed that he had the credits listed that way to make the album seem more of a "band" effort. Many consider it to be the band's most aggressive album, a trait which was softened to some degree on their following releases, but which was never abandoned.

WITH JOHAN LIIVA 1998-2001

After the release of Black Earth the band switched labels, signing a contract with Century Media. In 1998 Arch Enemy released Stigmata, for which bassist Martin Bengtsson and drummer Peter Wildoer joined the band. This album obtained the attention of a wider audience, gaining popularity both in Europe and America. This was also the first Arch Enemy album to be released Worldwide.

In 1999, Sharlee D'Angelo assumed the role of Arch Enemy's permanent bassist, and Daniel Erlandsson was once again recruited to handle drum duties, this time on a permanent basis. Burning Bridges was released, and was soon followed by the live album Burning Japan Live 1999, which was initially a release limited to Japan, but later given worldwide distribution due to demands from fans. Burning Bridges marked a shift in Arch Enemy's core sound, now opting for a more melodic approach, while still keeping the brutal heaviness of the first two albums.

In 2001 vocalist Johan Liiva was asked to quit the band. Michael Amott stated that the he wanted a more "dynamic frontman", and that Liiva's live performance was not up to par with the rest of the band. Liiva was soon replaced by amateur German journalist, and death metal vocalist Angela Gossow, who had given a demo tape to Michael Amott earlier that year during an interview she had conducted with him. Gossow proved to be a competent singer and was received warmly by most fans.

WITH ANGELA GOSSOW

The first album with songs featuring Gossow was Wages of Sin, released in late 2001. On December of the same year, Arch Enemy took part in the "Japan's Beast Feast 2002" concert, playing alongside Slayer and Mot?rhead.

Anthems of Rebellion was released in 2003 and brought some innovations, such as the use of a second voice singing in harmony in the song "End of the Line". In November of the following year, the band released the EP Dead Eyes See No Future, which featured live recordings, along with covers of Manowar, Megadeth and Carcass songs. In June of 2005, the band finished the recording of their sixth album ? Doomsday Machine. In July of 2005, guitarist Christopher Amott left the band in order to focus on his personal life. He was temporarily replaced by guitarist Gus G. (ex-Dream Evil, Firewind) and then by Fredrik Akesson on a permanent basis.

ALBUMS

1996 - Black Earth

1998 - Stigmata

1999 - Burning Bridges

2000 - Burning Japan Live 1999

2001 - Wages of Sin

2003 - Anthems of Rebellion

2004 - Dead Eyes See No Future (EP)

2005 - Doomsday Machine