Arch Enemy: The Root Of All Evil

For those who are not familiar with Arch Enemy, this is a disc that not only gives a look back at where they started from, it also gives you the chance to see just how far they have come. When they replaced lead singer Johan Liiva with female death metal vocalist Angela Gossow, it most certainly changed the sound and dynamics of the band. This album shows just how much. With new versions of some of their best work from the Johan days, it is easy to see the growth both musically and in the lead singer department.

With Johan Liiva as the frontman, I was never really impressed by the band. Yes, the Arnott brothers are dynamite guitarist and they have a keen sense for the melodic metal that is their trademark but I never could get excited by them until Ms. Gossow took over as vocalist. She seemed to be able to challenge the band to become better. The guitar riffs became much more dynamic. The songs had a lot more power and they seemed to have what was missing before. This is clearly evident on The Root Of All Evil as they bring to you an update that to this humble reviewer, completely overwhelms the original versions. When the first real song on the disc, "Beast of Man" kicks in, you will be blown away! Not only does the band show the considerable improvement in their musical ability, the recording itself, is much more clean and crisp. Of course it should be with all the new technology but the difference is amazing if you listen to them side by side.

The major benefactor of this is the rhythm guitar. No longer lost in the mix, you now have the terrific sound that will certainly cause at least a slight case of whiplash! I hauled out the old recordings and played them side by side. The difference is something to behold and I can see the older discs ending up as yard sale fodder now. Well, maybe not but they will definitely not make it to the CD player nearly as much as this one will.

Even on songs like the mostly instrumental "Demoniality" there seems to be more substance to the remake. The song is played in a lower key and becomes a much darker and more powerful song. It seems as if the brothers Arnott have learned a few things in the years since they first set these tracks down. I have a new found respect for their abilities thanks to what they have shown me here.

The more melodic songs such as "Silverwing", "Dead Inside" and the amazing "Bridge Of Destiny" are really the jewels of this showcase. With a style that can only come from maturity, the band has transformed these songs into works that might resemble the originals but totally obliterate them! New fills and solos along with the amazing Ms. Gossow on vocals has made me become much more of a fan than I use to be of these older works. I cannot wait to see them live.

For long time fans of Arch Enemy, this is an album that will reinforce you love of the band. For newcomers, this is a disc that will make you wonder why you have not been on the bandwagon long before. This is one of the most dynamic offerings I have heard recently and I continue to thoroughly enjoy it.

There is a version of this album that has 3 additional live bonus tracks. I did not receive them so I cannot comment. I wish they would have been included as I would have loved to hear what they sounded like. I am sure that they would be worth the purchase.

Track listing:

1. The Root Of All Evil (Intro)
2. Beast Of Man
3. The Immortal
4. Diva Satanica
5. Demonic Science
6. Bury Me An Angel
7. Dead Inside
8. Dark Insanity
9. Pilgrim
10. Demoniality
11. Transmigration Macabre
12. Silverwing
13. Bridge Of Destiny

Added: October 14th 2009
Reviewer: Scott Ward
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 4047
Language: english

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