Arch Enemy Biography

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, formed in 1996 by Michael Amott and Johan Liiva, both former members of the successful death metal band Carnage. Even though the band started off as a supergroup, it is best known for the Angela Gossow and Alissa White-Gluz eras. The two vocalists are among the few women praised for their growling skills, used as the main singing style.

Angela Gossow (2000–2014)

Arch Enemy’s first album with the iconic blonde was Wages of Sin, in 2001. Furthermore, the band performed at the Japan’s Beast Feast 2002, alongside the likes of Slayer and Motorhead.  In 2003, they released Anthems of Rebellion, which brought the use of a second voice. Immediately after the 2005 release of Doomsday Machine, a series of guitarist changes occurred. In 2007, the band made it into the Billboard 200 with Rise of the Tyrant. Gossow said the success came from the abundance of emotion and raw sound of the album. During the following years, the band performed with massive bands such as In Flames, DragonForce, Opeth, Megadeth, Judas Priest and others.

Alissa White-Gluz (2014−present)

In 2014, Angela announced her departure and welcomed the new vocalist, Alissa White-Gluz (ex The Agonist). “Music is forever, metal is limitless and this is only the beginning!” added Gossow to her statement. War Eternal was an utter success, peaking at number 44 in the US. Additionally, after a lengthy tour, the band announced their ninth album, due for 2017. Alissa also has a solo upcoming album.

Photo source: AXS