ARCH ENEMY
Blood Dynasty
Century Media Records
If you are not already familiar with the work of world-renowned melodic death metal band ARCH ENEMY, may I just say to you on behalf of the rest of the planet’s population: “greetings and welcome to Earth!” I don’t know about “take me to your leaders”, but please let me introduce you to the undisputed rock royalty of the melodic death metal genre!
Unbelievably, ARCH ENEMY have a history stretching back thirty years now and “Blood Dynasty” is the band’s 13th full-length studio album to date. With Alissa White-Gluz replacing the incredible Angela Gossow (who now manages the band) in 2014, ARCH ENEMY have continued to go from strength to strength with a growing worldwide fanbase making “Blood Dynasty” one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2025 so far.
You always know you are going to get something very special with an ARCH ENEMY release because they never ever disappoint! After all that, does “Blood Dynasty” live up to the hype? In my humble opinion, YES it does and then some, so please read on!
The backbone of the album is built around superb melodic tracks like the burning hot “A Million Suns” or scorching title track “Blood Dynasty”, along with their trademark fast ‘n’ slow, hard ‘n’ heavy tracks such as “Don’t Look Down” and “The Pendulum” where heavy metal is king and Alissa White-Gluz is queen!
Then there are several lightning fast and explosive tracks that pummel you so hard you have literally no other option but to sit up and take notice! “Dream Stealer” rides in like a dark, vast and looming storm. The ferocious “Paper Tiger” is anything but as it rages and roars whilst brandishing its intimidatingly razor-sharp teeth in plain sight (or earshot). Final track “Liars & Thieves” absolutely kicks ass to the death and will have you grabbing for that repeat button time and time again.
There are also a couple of nice surprises on “Blood Dynasty” too. “Presage” is a short and sweet Spanish guitar instrumental that is very enjoyable and pleasant on the ears. The extremely beautiful composition “Vivre Libre” shows that not only is Alissa White-Gluz an amazing death metal frontwoman, but she is also an extremely versatile and capable clean vocalist too. It’s a truly lovely song!
The most uplifting tracks on “Blood Dynasty” for me were “Illuminate The Path” with its huge hacksawing riff and clean/brutal vocal fusion along with thumping, heavy on the hammer anthem “March Of The Miscreants.” Both served to remind me of why I love this type of music so much and just how soul cleansing heavy metal is for the human psyche! Regardless of genre, this is top drawer musicianship at its most powerful and intoxicating best!
There are a couple of extra tracks, “Break The Spell” and “Moths”, available on the deluxe version of the album which unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to hear whilst writing this review, but judging by the rest of the album I’m sure they’re bloody great too!
With “Blood Dynasty” once again ARCH ENEMY have not only delivered, but they have completely smashed it out the park at every level with an absolute screamer of an album! Every action-packed track is outstanding in its own unique way, with each being more than capable of individual release as a single or music video.
Without doubt “Blood Dynasty” is the best album that I have heard so far this year and I’m pretty sure it will still be at or very near the top of the pile when we reach the year’s end too. Releasing a top-quality album every two to three years along with almost constant touring is no mean feat, this is the kind work rate would take its toll on most bands. So beanies off to ARCH ENEMY for releasing yet another banger, I salute you!
If “Blood Dynasty” is not already on your pre-order or pre-save playlist, then you should ask yourself WHY and remedy the situation immediately! Very highly recommended.
Mark Waight