### Arch Enemy: Doomsday machine

#### 18/03/06 || Statik Majik

This is one tough album to review, solely for the reason that it is so fucking good. But I’ll try anyway, that’s what I’m paid for.

I’ve been addicted to these bozos since they released “Wages of sin”, which is by far one of the best metal albums I’ve ever heard. Well, Arch Enemy haven’t lost their touch. 4 years and two albums later they’re still rocking and rolling like there’s no tomorrow. “Anthems of rebellion” didn’t appeal that much to me for one reason or another. It was a good album, sure, but I’ve listened to it probably less than 10 times. If an album doesn’t kick in after that many listenings, it might as well stay in the shelf gathering dust. Well, that’s what it has been doing for quite some time now.

On the other hand, from the very first seconds of “Doomsday machine” I knew that this would be an album that’s going to have a long-term relationship with my cd-player. So far I’ve been right.

I could go on forever praising this shit, and analysing the songs in detail or trying to make some intelligent comments about the musicianship and so forth, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Look at the line-up… These musicians are fucken professionals. I’m sure that even the sounds of their farts would sell enough for a gold-album. Or platin, if you have good marketing.

Oh, if you’re totally new to Arch Enemy this is all you need to know: they play melodic death metal and are supported by a singer with mighty fine rack… I mean throat. Fuck, even that didn’t sound as I meant… Here’s a better word: voice. Yes, that’s it, now we’re back on track. The vocals are amazing and very similar to late Chuck Schuldiner of Death or Jeff Walker of Carcass. Yes, that good, I tell you.

If any of the Gossow-era Arch Enemy appeals to you, “Doomsday machine” won’t disappoint you. You can take that to the bank.

And fuck the bonus DVD, I’m still concentrating on the actual cd.

8,5 /10

- Information
- Released: 2005
- Label: Century Media
- Website: www.archenemy.net
- Band
- Angela Gossow: vocals
- Michael Amott: guitars
- Christopher Amott: guitars
- Daniel Erlandsson: drums
- Sharlee D’Angelo: bass

- Tracklist
- 01. Enter the machine
- 02. Taking back my soul
- 03. Nemesis
- 04. My apocalypse
- 05. Carry the cross
- 06. I am legend/Out for blood
- 07. Skeleton dance
- 08. Hybrids of steel
- 09. Mechanic God creation
- 10. Machtskampf
- 11. Slaves of yesterday
- Bonus DVD
- 01. Nemesis
- 02. Intro (live)
- 03. Dead eyes see no future (live)
- 04. Ravenous (live)