Arch Enemy--Rise of the Tyrant

ARCH ENEMY

RISE OF THE TYRANT

2007

REVIEW BY MONIKA

Review:

'Rise of the Tyrant' is being hailed as Arch Enemy's greatest masterpiece since the highly acclaimed 2001 release 'Wages of Sin', the album that debuted vocalist Angela Gossow. It is clear that in the last several years, since Angela became their vocalist, the band has had many transitions. After having two rather experimental albums, Arch Enemy really takes 'Rise of the Tyrant' back to their original roots of sheer melody and brutality. This is an album that old Arch Enemy fans still pining over 'Stigmata' may even enjoy. It seems that there is more feeling in this album than there has been on past AE albums in years. There are no filler songs. Every song is individual and exceptional.
Much of the album's concept seems to circulate around war, hatred and destruction. So, it is appropriately titled.
It is truly rewarding for the fans to welcome back Christopher Amott into the fold, after his departure from the band over two years ago. His new found enthusiasm is shown in the new material. The Amott brother guitar team is as tight as ever. This time around, Angela has gone completely natural with her voice. It is great to hear her amazing growls and screams without effects layered over them. It seems that this is the album that shows her voice in its truest form. Drummer Daniel Erlandsson's playing is even more technical, earthshaking and hard-hitting than on the previous albums. This is a band that only seems to grow as musicians, and as a unit as the years go by.

“Blood On Your Hands” is the perfect opening track. It starts out fast and energetic, screaming guitars and pounding drums. The chorus is also very catchy. The “theme” of the song is very melodious, and is a great contrast to the verses.

“The Last Enemy” follows up “Blood On Your Hands” with even more energy than the previous song. It is relentless and high spirited. Then somewhere near then end, Michael Amott manages to throw in one of his signature ballades. Arch Enemy show great balance on this song, from fast to slow – it transitions just right.

“I Will Live Again” takes the speed down a notch. This doesn't take away from the song in anyway, though. It begins with a very interesting intro that is almost like “space” music. The drums, guitars and vocals then kick in. The chorus is very memorable, and Gossow's voice is a bit more gutteral on this song.

“In This Shallow Grave” picks the speed of the album back up. It begins with blast beats and chugging guitars. The vocals are angry and filled with passion. It is a song that will want to make you keep banging your head all the way through to the end.

“Revolution Begins” is the ultimate rebellion song on this album. The message of this song is powerful, with the title summing up the idea of it. Lyrically, this is one of their stronger songs on this album. The verses are slower, with the vocals on top of the music. The chorus picks up the speed of the song, and the drumming becomes more noticeable.

“Rise of the Tyrant” begins with a dictator's speech, from a movie. Immediately after that, the song begins with great speed and a very high pitched scream from Gossow. Arch Enemy doesn't mess around with dragging out a long intro. After the first verse, there is a nice guitar lick thrown in. The guitar work on this song is really exceptional.

“The Day You Died” starts out with a very rock n' roll type of beat on the drums, followed by some nice fills on Erlandsson's part. Then, the vocals kick in after some measures. The same melody stays pretty consistent on the guitars throughout the entire song. It is a very solid piece, with some strong feeling. The Amotts also throw in a nice solo in this song.

“Intermezzo Liberte” has many characteristics of a standard Arch Enemy instrumental. It is a little slower, and a bit more gloomy than usual. The theme of the instrumental carries out throughout the whole piece. It is a good contrast to such a fast and vicious album. The ending of it is rather epic. It helps lead straight into the next song.

“Night Falls Fast” begins with rather catchy drums and guitars. It's slower and heavier than a typical “catchy” Arch Enemy song. The theme carries out throughout the first verse, when Gossow joins in the mix. The song is stable all the way through the end.

“The Great Darkness” is interesting because, throughout the song, there is some sort of choir placed in the background. It is the closest to being symphonic Arch Enemy has ever come. The chorus shows off this symphonic sound. This song is fast, just like most of the other songs on this album. There is a break where things slow down a bit. The Amotts add in some very classic sounding guitar playing on this song. The ending sounds very doomy, and is a perfect transition into..

“Vultures” begins with some slow, steady drumming and beautiful guitar playing. After a short intro, the song completely changes its pace. Gossow's voice sounds flat out ravenous in this song. The verses and chorus transition exceptionally well. The guitar playing is rather pleasing to the ears. One thing Arch Enemy always seems to be good at is closing an album. The ending is just like the beginning, with some keyboards added in the end. It is rather reminiscent of 'Burning Bridges' ending. This track is the perfect ending for this epic masterpiece. This ending track and album will satisfy the listener. It is complete in every way.

Fav Cuts: In This Shallow Grave, The Last Enemy, Vultures

Rating: 9