ARCH ENEMY – Blood Dynasty – “Beautifully Mixes Heaviness And Harmony”

(Century Media)

Blood Dynasty is the 12^th studio album from melodic death metal masters Arch Enemy. Led by guitarist and founding member Michael Amott (Carcass, Spiritual Beggars), Blood Dynasty is the first AE record to feature guitarist Joey Concepcion (Armageddon), following the departure of Jeff Loomis (Nevermore) in 2023. And it’s the fourth full-length with vocalist Alissa White-Gluz.

“We definitely turned up the speed and the aggression this time… it has a lot of twists and turns,” commented Amott, and he wasn’t kidding! After a brief, regal introduction, “Dream Stealer” ignites with passion and fury as drummer Daniel Erlandsson and bassist Sharlee D’Angelo immediately make their monstrous presence felt. Given that the title chant is aptly designed to be sung back at the band by the audience at every show, “Dream Stealer” is bound to be a live staple, especially when you throw in those vicious dive-bomb guitar attacks. “Illuminate The Path” beautifully mixes heaviness and harmony, then surprise, Alissa switches from her death growl to a clean, crisp vocal, showcasing the dynamic width of her talent. “March Of The Miscreants” sees the band staying true to their roots, while “A Million Suns” is fret-tastic, and “Don’t Look Down” is robust both musically and lyrically.

The classically-tinged “Presage” is an instrumental interlude, offering head-bangers a chance to catch their breath. Up next is the title track, both majestic and crushing in nature, “Blood Dynasty” serves up a “joyride to hell.” “Paper Tiger” is one of four singles issued prior to the release of the album, and it’s pure Arch Enemy – catchy and energetic with a shredding guitar solo. Originally intended to be a bonus track, “Vivre Libre” is a power ballad and a cover song from the ‘80s by a band called Blaspheme, with lyrics entirely in French! Alissa is fluent in French as she grew up in Quebec, Canada, so her delivery is flawless. However, it really interrupts the flow of the album and most likely will be skipped over on future listens. “The Pendulum” takes us back to the tried and true Arch Enemy formula with its commanding demeanor. Album closer “Liars & Thieves” brings it all full circle as this song is easily on par with the brilliant opening track, “Dream Stealer”. Brimming with intense splendor, Alissa howls, “Get out of hell if you can’t take the heat!”

Rating: 8.5