Arch Enemy (band)

From Free net encyclopedia

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, formed in 1995 by Michael Amott.

1 History
2 Line-up
- 2.1 Former members
3 Discography
4 External links
- 4.1 Official websites
- 4.2 Arch Enemy at online databases

History

Early days (1996-1998)

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 were joined by vocalist Johan Liiva (ex-Carnage) and then-session drummer Daniel Erlandsson (Armageddon, 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.

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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, reaching 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. Despite rumours of Gossow being chosen to join the band solely due to her romantic involvement with Michael Amott, she proved to be a competent singer and was received warmly by most fans.

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With Angela Gossow (2001-)

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 Motörhead.

Image:Arch Enemy (band) 2004.jpg 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 Åkesson on a permanent basis.

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Line-up

Angela Gossow - Vocals (2001-)
Michael Amott - Guitar (1996-)
Fredrik Åkesson - Guitar (2005-)
Sharlee D'Angelo - Bass (1999-)
Daniel Erlandsson - Drums (1996-1997, 1999-)

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Former members

Johan Liiva - Vocals (1996-2001)
Martin Bengtsson - Bass (1997-1998)
Peter Wildoer - Drums (1997-1998)
Christopher Amott - Guitar (1996-2005)
Gus G. - Touring guitarist (2005)

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Discography

Album Cover	Date of Release	Title	Label	US Billboard Peak	US sales
Image:Blackearthcover.jpg	1996	Black Earth	Wrong Again Records, Century Media Records (2002 reissue)	-	-
Image:Stigmatacover.jpg	April 21, 1998	Stigmata	Century Media Records	-	-
Image:Burningbridgescover.jpg	July 27, 1999	Burning Bridges	Century Media Records	-	-
	December 5, 2000	Burning Japan Live 1999	Century Media Records	-	-
Image:WagesOfSinCover.jpg	April 25, 2001	Wages of Sin	Century Media Records	-	-
Image:Anthems Of Rebellion.jpg	August 26, 2003	Anthems of Rebellion	Century Media Records	-	-
Image:ArchEnemy-DeadEyesSeeNoFuturej.jpg	November 2, 2004	Dead Eyes See No Future (EP)	Century Media Records	-	-
Image:DoomsdayMachine.jpg	July 26, 2005	Doomsday Machine	Century Media Records	#87	-