The Band's Most Accessible, Atmospheric and Melodic Output - A Review of Arch Enemy's Deceivers

Ever since I started listening to metal music, I have come across Arch Enemy on numerous occasions. While the occasional song was much appreciated at different parties, I could never listen to one of the group's records from start to finish because the vocals ended up sounding nerve-firing, the song structures were at times repetitive and the musicianship overall lacked diversity. To my surprise, the numerous singles preceding the release of Deceivers all struck a chord with me and I decided to give the full length effort a chance. I'm glad to announce that Deceivers is indeed a very good album that entertains from start to finish through forty-five highly entertaining minutes.

Arch Enemy has managed to find a perfect balance between its melodic soundscapes and its aggressive side. The former is represented by cleverly employed atmospheric keyboard sounds and additional effects, numerous memorable guitar melodies and solos and an increased use of catchy clean vocals. This approach shines in creative, diversified and dynamic opener ''Handshake with Hell'', dreamy, slow and tender highlight ''Poisoned Arrow'' and instrumental interlude ''Mourning Star'' that offers both an atmospheric break and showcases the talent of the involved musicians.

Those who like the band's harsher side don't need to be afraid however. This record is still filled with devilish harsh vocals, fast guitar riffs and dynamic rhythm section. ''Deceiver, Deceiver'' for instance reminds of Swedish melodic death metal in the key of At the Gates, In Flames and Soilwork in the nineties. ''Sunset of the Empire'' opens with a bumblebee bass guitar solo before sinister vocals and fast riffs kick in but the song is also balanced by melodic guitar play, cinematic choirs and minimal symphonic passages. Album closer ''Exiled from Earth'' combines unchained vocals with extraordinary guitar solos and evokes a fitting epic atmosphere to conclude an outstanding album.

In my humble opinion, Arch Enemy's Deceivers is easily the greatest album I have ever listened to from this band. Especially the use of occasional clean vocals, numerous memorable guitar melodies and symphonic keyboard arrangements strikes a chord with me. It should also help make an already commercially successful band even more famous. However, I could imagine several fans of old date who favour the group's classic melodic death metal soundscapes being unhappy about this more harmonious direction. Time shall tell where the band goes from here but it's promising that the international group has managed to release such an amazing twelfth album twenty-seven years into its career. I'm certain that this band still has much to say!

Final Rating: 80%