Arch Enemy Album: “Wages of Sin”

I bought this album the day after I saw Arch Enemy come through Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the fifteenth (or was it sixteenth?) annual Metalfest. The crowd went absolutely crazy during their performance, and it was the first time I had ever seen the band live (or heard an entire set of their music, for that matter). It was honestly some phenomenal material. I was unaware that they had changed their vocalist to a woman, so I didn't even immediately recognize them after they came on stage. For a few years now I had heard good things about this band, but had never actually gotten around to purchasing any of their material. I can honestly say that I've been missing out on a lot of great music by these guys. Their reputation is well earned, and any metalhead should respect this album. Some people complain about the difference (which is relatively slight) between the old vocalist Johan and the new vocalist Angela, but both vocalists fit the music very well. (And hey, at least it's not as severe as when Sepultura picked up David Green after Max left the band!)

I think in my case, and in the case of just about any new fan of Arch Enemy, this album is wonderful, especially if you get your hands on the double-disc copy. That way you can compare some of the great stuff they have now to other tunes the band played when they had their old vocalist. The music videos included are also well produced. I had heard a lot of hype about this album at Metalfest, and after I heard the band in concert I knew that the studio produced material must be incredible - and I was right. From start to finish this album is thunderous and keeps a handle on its own originality and feel. Not a single song disappointed me, and I've been a metal fan for over a decade and was also a DJ in Nashville, Tennessee for the underground metal scene during my four year stay there. So I think it's fair for me to think that my opinion means something to you readers. "Wages of Sin" is a great, upbeat, killer album that still maintains the band's reputation for progressive guitar work and musicianship while knowing how to bring the house down at the same time. Check this disc out if you like the heavy stuff. You won't be disappointed.

For those of you who think that Kittie or Otep is the heaviest band with a chick singer, make way for their superiors, Arch Enemy. Just one listen to the song "Ravenous" will show you all the talents that pour out of this band. Heavy riffs, amazing solos, insane drum lines that would make the feet of a normal drummer cease to have any feeling in them, and while Angela Gossow's vocals may not be too diverse in range, they certainly fit the music and give it that evil touch. Especially in "Web of Lies". If you're impressed with Kittie's new album (for whatever reason) or Otep, you will surely be blown away by this much better, much more sophisticated band. I recommend them for any thrash or metal fan.

I first got into Arch Enemy with Burning Bridges. Which is just an amazing album I thought to myself how could it ever get better?. When I first heared Wages of Sin I was a bit disappointed. Musically the album was breath taking. However Angela's singing was not appealing to me.

After a few listens I got into her style and was blown away by the cobmination of her vocals with the music. Ever since this has been one of my most listened to cd's and I can't seem to stop listening. Here are my track reviews of just cd 1.

Enemy Within (5/5). Such a great song to open the album with very impressive.

Burning Angel (5/5). What can I say? simply great stuff here. The Amott brothers never cease to amaze me as well as the entire group.

Heart of Darkness (4/5). I found that when this song slows down it ruins it abit. I would have liked to hear the song on the level of intensity it opened with.

Ravenous (10/5). Ten out of five even though thats mathematically impossible. This song is brutal, fast, and intense. This is hands down one of the best songs on the album as well as one of the best Arch Enemy songs to date. The guitar riffs and solo's are amazing, the drumming is lightning fast, and the vocals are nice and brutal like always :).

Savage Messiah (5/5). A slower song but still amazing. I can't find much to say about it.

Dead Bury Their Dead (5/5). Brutal.. but isn't that what we are looking for?. One of my favourites I must say. Every thing is top notch once again. Daniel's drumming to Angela's vocals to Sharlee's bass riffs to the Amott brothers riffs and solo's the song is a beautiful work or art.

Web of Lies (5/5). Another one of my favourites. Very very good song. Just simply another work of beautiful metal art.

The First Deadly Sin (10/5). Can you say blazing fast guitar riffs? I can. Can you say blazing fast drumming?. This song is amazing. Again every one's performance is top notch.

Behind The Smile (3/5). I can't seem to really enjoy this song that much. Ofcourse it's a good song just doesn't seem to appeal to me for some reason.

Snow Bound (4/5). Nice short instrumental that leads into Shadows and Dust.

Shadows and Dust (5/5). Good song. Ofcourse once again it's all top notch amazing stuff. However if your not into the vocals by now your probably wanting to turn off the cd like I was with my first listen to this album.

Lament Of A Mortal Coil (5/5). Amazing song to end the album with. Brutal, and mean yet beautiful and nice to the ears yeah?. I must say so this is what it's all about simply amazing.

I wish I would have reviewed this album sooner. This is an amazing band. One of the best metal bands around right now no contest. I suggest this album to anyone who is a fan of true metal music. You shouldn't be disappointed what so ever but ofcourse every one has their own opinions on good music.

I was never a big Arch Enemy fan to begin with because of the old vocalist. i always thought he was just not a right fit to the band's music. now with "Wages of Sin", the band has introduced angela gossow as the new vocalist and wow! what a difference it makes. her vocals are stunning and brutal...a perfect match! and the band seem to be energized and alive with the addition of her talents.

when i first bought this cd, i liked it quite a bit. but over time, i grew sort of tired of it. it's a good cd for what it is...melodic metal with thrashy deathy undertones. the riffs are all pretty great and the solos are spectacular as well. but i can't help but get the feeling that this is all "metal by the numbers." all the elements that you would expect...no surprises (except for the new vocalist). the music here is, for the most part, raging and aggresssive...but there seems to be a borderline tendency for these songs to slip into commercial metal territory at any time. i'm not sure how to explain it. it's not necessarily a *bad* thing...but it is a factor that puts me off from giving it a higher star rating. still, this is a quality piece of metal for those with a potential sweet tooth.

I love Arch Enemy. This album is one of my favorite melodic death metal albums. Angela Gossow's vocals scare me but I want to learn to scream like that. I really love the Amott brother's guitar playing as well. Ravenous is one of the greatest songs ever. RAVENOUS FOR MORE METAL!!!