Swedish Melodic Death Metal giants, Arch Enemy have hit the ground running once again with their new release, "Doomsday Machine". I myself am still enamored at how gruff, evil, and deceitful a voice can come out of vocalist Angela Gossow. When you hear that caustic voice blast from your speakers, the last thing you think of is a pretty, petite, blonde woman, so my hats off to her for breaking the mold and defying the stereotypes.

"Doomsday Machine" is filled with all the ingredients that make an Arch Enemy album what it is. Its all there, layers upon layers of melodic guitar runs, precise and intricate solo work, headbang worthy riffs and vocals that would scare Satan himself. However, this disc falls short for me, when compared to their earlier work. I wasn't ripped wide open, like I was the first time I heard "Wages Of Sin", I was not blown away like I was when I popped in "Anthems Of Rebellion" and immediately had every song stuck in my head. It almost seems like Arch Enemy are resting on their laurels a bit and putting out a "cookie cutter" album. Apart from "Nemesis", "Mechanic God Creation", and "Taking Back My Soul" nothing off of "Doomsday Machine" is really grabbing me they way I'm accustomed to. Its not a terrible album at all, it just seems to be missing a lot of the inspiring hooks and anthem-like choruses that I dig so much from Arch Enemy.

What is there that hasn't changed, is the production and performance. Like I mentioned before all the things you usually expect from Arch Enemy on a regular basis are there. The production is so clear, and I mean crystal clear. I love hearing albums that just shine like this. It jumps out of your speakers and demands that you hear every note. In today's music scene, thats quite a refreshing attribute. The musical performances themselves are great too. Chris and Micheal Amott are probably one of the best dual-guitar teams in metal today, and they have no problem showing off and letting you hear just exactly how deep their talent runs......and even though the vocals are the growling sort of Death Metal vocals, Angela Gossow executes every word precisely and lucidly. Everything she sings can be understood completely, thus adding even more emotion and grip.

I'd have to say that this is a pretty good album. When I think Arch Enemy though, I usually will wanna throw in "Wages Of Sin" but this disc is no slouch. You want Metal? Riffs? Power? Weight? You got it. This album is definitely one that you can put in the car stereo and pound the steering wheel to, or hang out with your buddies and swill a few beers to.

Track Listing:
1. Enter The Machine
2. Taking Back My Soul
3. Nemesis
4. My Apocolyps
5. Carry The Cross
6. I Am Legend/Out For Blood
7. Skeleton Dance
8. Hybrids Of Steel
9. Mechanic God Creation
10. Machtkampf
11. Slaves Of Yesterday

Arch Enemy's Official Website