Arch Enemy - Anthems of Rebellion
    Arch Enemy are slowly gaining  popularity here in America. It seems that every time I see this band live I seem to be sitting farther away than the last time and in a much bigger venue. So while their new found fame has cost me my front row position, it doesnt mean I'm bitter. If one band deserves to go on to "bigger and better things" its Arch Enemy.
     Anthems of Rebellion picks up right where the AWESOME Wages of Sin left off. Angela's vocals have more of a hiss this time around and it actually works for the better. On "Silent Wars" she sounds like some kind of serpent demon. Sometimes I still cant believe that sinister voice I'm hearing is coming from a girl. Now that the vocals are out of the way, Arch Enemy has always been about technical musicianship and they still keep it real here. Mike and Chris Amott shred whenever possible and the drumming is still top notch.
     The songs on Anthems of Rebellion have more structure than the bands earlier works. Gone are the rockstar, out of nowhere/never ending guitar solos. These songs are well crafted and actually resemble songs. Tracks like "End of the Line" utilize clean vocals (provided by the brothers) and fit surprisingly well with the Arch Enemy sound. Overall, this is a great record and is highly recomended...despite the lame cover.
Standout tracks:

Silent Wars
Dead Eyes See No Future
Despicable Heroes
End of the Line
Saints and Sinners
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