Arch Enemy Blood Dynasty CD Review
Arch Enemy are one of the bands that I am always eagerly awaiting new material from. They’re one of the most talented extreme metal groups around today and have an immensely talented lineup who always deliver. I am a bit biased though as Daniel Erlandsson is one of my favorite drummers and Sharlee D’Angelo is one of my favorite bassists. And what is there to say about Michael Amott? He’s a fucking legendary guitarist and I am spellbound by everything he releases. So when it was announced that Jeff Loomis was joining the band in 2014, I thought that there would be no force on Earth that could stand in their way; however, I sincerely feel that Jeff was under utilized, and considering his talent, that is nothing short of criminal. I saw Arch Enemy in April of 2022 and Jeff just seemed kind of pushed to the side. That didn’t affect his playing whatsoever, but it bothered and disappointed me.
Whoa. Whoa. Settle down goddamnit. *Internal dialogue intensifies*
‘Blood Dynasty’ is the first album they’ve released since Jeff’s departure in 2023. Taking his place is former Sanctuary and The Absence guitarist Joey Concepcion. He does a fine job, but I’m still a little disgruntled over Jeff’s departure. Anyway, one thing you can always count on with an Arch Enemy release is a killer opening track. The trend continues here with “Dream Stealer” which features some furious lead breaks and solos. “Illuminate the Path” is another standout track as it transitions seamlessly between the modern-era
heaviness in conjunction with super catchy harmonies topped off with some of Alissa’s best clean vocal work. In the midst of the heaviness is “Presage”, a short instrumental with acoustic guitars and mandolin. I really enjoy it, but my favorite instrumental of theirs would have to be “Snow Bound” (either version).
“Paper Tiger”, “The Pendulum” and “Liars & Thieves” close out the album on an incredibly high note and leave me wanting more. “Liars & Thieves” in particular as it has an 80’s speed metal feel to it and I’m here for it! My one issue with ‘Blood Dynasty’ is the cover of
Blaspheme’s “Vivre Libre”. I am not a fan. Alissa is impressive on it, but it feels sorely out of place on this album. I am familiar with Arch Enemy’s extensive list of covers they’ve done, not to mention their “Covered in Blood” covers album, but this just wasn’t doing it for me. Overall, if you’ve enjoyed their last few albums, especially ‘Deceivers’, this album will be living rent free in your head for the foreseeable future.
~TJ