In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Arch Enemy members Michael Amott and Daniel Erlandsson discuss the uncertainties that surrounded the release of their album War Eternal in 2014, following the departure of Angela Gossow as singer.
A period of doubts for Arch Enemy
In 2014, the departure of Angela Gossow as lead singer of Arch Enemy nearly ended the band's history. Gossow, who decided to become their manager, left a void that was difficult to fill, as Daniel Erlandsson, the band's drummer, explains: “The group had fallen apart a bit. We got together to discuss: 'Should we continue? What do we do?’”
The group finally found the motivation to continue thanks to songs already written for what would become War Eternal. This album also marked the arrival of Alissa White-Gluz, who had left The Agonist to join Arch Enemy.
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A risky but successful bet
Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott recalls the doubts surrounding War Eternal : “It was a decisive moment for us. I didn't have much hope for the album. When bands like Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath changed singers, it took them years to gain fan acceptance.”
However, he acknowledges that things have evolved more quickly in the age of social media: “People get used to changes much more quickly today. And then, Alissa was great, the songs were great, and the sound… everything was perfect on this album.”
The success of War Eternal surprised the group and aroused the admiration of their peers. Amott remembers: “Other musicians asked me how we did it. I told them: 'I don't know.' It was the right time and the right album.”
A promising future
Since White-Gluz's arrival, Arch Enemy has released several albums to fan acclaim. Their next opus, Blood Dynastywill be available on March 28, 2025 via Century Media. The singles Dream Stealer et Liars & Thieves are already available for streaming and promise to maintain the group's positive dynamic.
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