Arch Enemy
Khaos Legions

July 2011
Released: 2011, Century Media
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: JP

I’ll state it up front, I’m not the world’s greatest Arch Enemy fan. I’ve enjoyed the band over the years, seen them half a dozen times but I don’t run out and buy the albums the minute they hit the store shelves. As an old-timer in the metal scene I don’t buy the hype that Angela is the most extreme front-woman etc, etc, etc. I slightly prefer pre-Angela Arch Enemy but I’m certainly not opposed to what the band has done in the past 10 years.



I always approach a new Arch Enemy album with an open mind but after several successive albums that did not excite me I slowly relegated the band to a lower status in my personal hierarchy of listening importance. I think that the band has really benefitted from the return of Christopher Amott. Although he returned just before the band entered the studio to record RISE OF THE TYRANT, I don’t believe his song-writing presence was really felt in those sessions. Accordingly, this is the first album in four years that Chris has really had an impact on. I feel he brought back a much-needed ‘Metal’ element to Khaos. The past few albums had been tainted (not ruined, just tainted) with too many ‘core’ elements and a hyper-kinetic, red-lined, red-hot, production that buried the riffs and songs. This is the first album in many years to get back to a truly Metal feel.



In addition, the band had been really productive in the past decade. Arch Enemy had put out 10 releases in 10 years, and personally think the band was burnt out and it showed in the songwriting of the past few records. The four-year break since RISE OF THE TYRANT really helped the band bring back some of that creativity, and the addition of Chris Amott back into in the writing team, and the change in producer, all combined to make a very, very strong album. In fact this might be my favorite Arch Enemy yet.



There are a variety of tempos and styles on this album. I’ve read a few reviews that said this is basically a Power Metal album, which while is inaccurate I can see why a die hard Death Metal fan might say that. The riffs are better, the acoustic interludes are great, and the songs are more dynamic and interesting. The guitar solos just kill as well! This is likely their most diverse and dynamic album in a long time. The lack of intense speed might have people saying it’s too mellow but I don’t agree, it’s still heady stuff. Angela also sings a little more on this record, having proven what she needed to prove on the first few, namely she can go toe-to-toe with any guy in terms of brutality. Now, thankfully she can concentrate on singing a bit more.



If you are like me and have been mildly disappointed or unimpressed by the past three or four albums (Angela-era) by Arch Enemy, the new album, KHAOS LEGIONS is the one you want to listen to and really give it a fair chance. I’m glad I did.