Burning Japan

There's something about Japan. From the amazing food, to the technology, to the sheer weird stuff and even to the Godzilla sightings. However all kidding aside there's one thing that Japan takes seriously and that is Live Music. This post is one of the many with the show being recorded in Japan. And what better way to start off then with a Japanese only release. Sweden's Arch Enemy have been flying the flag for Swedish Metal for the past two decades now. Initially a side project when Guitarist Michael Amott left Grindcore Gods Carcass, the band has continued to solider one, proving you don't always need a male vocalist to get your attention.

By 1999 Arch Enemy had three albums under their belt and went from being big in Japan to catching ears in Europe and the US. Led by the Amott brothers, the band released their first record 'Black Earth' in 96 and by 99 begin to pick up some steam carrying on what is commonly referred to as "The Gothenburg Sound". Not forgetting where they had a cult following, the band returned to Japan in 99 to promote their new record 'Burning Bridges' and to records a Live record. The Live record would turn out to be, 'Burning Japan, Live 1999' and be only released in Japan under the Toy's Factory label. The album is somewhat of a hard to find release stateside as it was never officially released here by the bands label, Century Media. The album is 11 tracks of pure metal. While the sound is a bit low, you could still see a band beginning to grow. The album also marks the final release with vocalist Johan Liiva.

Arch Enemy then proceeded to do a 180 if you will. The band released early demos of some new material featuring the new vocalist. The majority of people assumed the new vocalist was a guy, just from the sheer brutality of it all. Alas is turned out to be a woman. Angela Gossow would continue to front the band for the next dozen years. Angela stepped down in 2014 only to be replaced by another female, ex The Agonist singer Alissa White-Gluz. The band continues to make some pretty decent albums. Their latest effort 'War Eternal' shows a return to some older material.

I had the chance to see Arch Enemy on what was prolly their second US tour with Angela. The band was promoting at the time their new release 'Anthems Of Rebellion'. And I have to say even with Hate Eternal on the bill, that was seriously an extreme show. I was up front in a pretty well packed Troubadour club in Los Angeles, staring up at Christopher Amott all night. Bewildered to see some amazing guitar playing to say the least, but watching how tight the band sounded. One of the best metal gigs I've been to. And say what ya will about the band today, the 'Burning Bridges' album remains my favorite release from the band.

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