"One of the things that I really like about Arch Enemy is their ecclectic approach and how you can find elements of death metal, thrash metal, traditional heavy metal, power metal, progressive metal and so on, not just on the same record, but often in the same song. I think this is as much a contributor to Arch Emeny's originality in sound as the focus on melody is.
Ecclectism and variation certainly characterizes the mighty "Anthems of Rebellion". The first proper track, "Silent Wars" starts out as an old school thrasher, which constitutes its default athmosphere, but it contains elements from power metal and progressive metal alike. The following track, the hit "Rise" is a midtempo track, which reminds me of both Depeche Mode and Anthrax' "Only". And the rest of the album continues down the road of variation, incorporating elements from all of the metal landscape, and sometimes beyond. But, we are not dealing with a band that hasn't found its style, we are dealing with a band where ecceltcism IS its style.
I think this album will appeal to fans of many different subgenres within the heavy metal world (and probably be shunned by purists).
(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"
"As is typical of the modern type of metal referred to as melodic death metal (of just modern metal by some Swedish artists such as Nothing Divine), "Stigmata" is highly ecclectic, drawing on traditional metal, NWOBHM, death metal, thrash metal and a plethora of other metal subgenres, and what characterizes it is the emphasis on catchy guitar melodies and retrospective riffs juxtaposed with death metal and thrash metal riffs - there is also a sense of progressiveness to it, which probably is derived from Ammott's love for Queensrÿche.
As with the other non-Gossow fronted releases, this album really is just as good as Gossow era albums, and whether or not you like it is just a matter of whether you can live with Arch enemy being fronted by someone else.
The opening track "Beast of Man" starts out sounding like a typical death metal track and even contains a couple of blast beats, before it takes a more melodic turn. "Stigmata" and "Sinister Mephisto" are more melodic and slightly reminiscent of 80s German power metal at time - the latter also contains a super cool main riff. Well, there are cool riffs all over the place on this very well balanced album.
"Stigmata" shoul appeal to fans of death metal, thrash metal, power metal, melodic metalcore and melodic death metal alike.
(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"
"Arch enemy is pretty much associated with their present vocalist, Angela Gossow, whose death vocals are rather spectacular. But there was a time before her with Johan Liiva on vocals. Now, the question is, were they as good back then? The answer is "yes", and whether you like the older albums really depends on whether you can live with Liiva's vocals or not.
I can. Thankfully.
"Burning Bridges" is a great piece of ecclectic modern metal, combining elements from death metal with elements from traditional 80s metal and NWOBHM, and it works really well. This genre is the future of metal. The opening track "The immortal" is slightly reminiscent of Slayer before it turns more melodic. "Dead Inside" is quite melodic and contains a couple of nods towards both "Rust in Peace" by Megadeth and Iron Maiden style melodic metal as does "Pilgrim", while "Silverwing" has certain power metal sensibilities to it, as does the Dio-esque "Seed of Hate". The only weak track on the album is the doomy "Burning Bridges", which doesn't quite do it for me.
I think this album will appeal to fans of Ammott-era Carcass, At The Gates, Killswitch Engage, In Flames, Shadows Fall and Ax7, and it should also sit well with both death metal fans and fans of traditional metal... if they can live with the yelled, semi-growled vocals.
(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"
"The best album by Arch Enemy to date. The most inspired sounding, the best song writing and just an album that packs a punch and is truly one of the better melodic death metal albums out there. Also fantastic musicianship, with excellent lead guitar work from the dynamic guitar duo brothers, Michael and Chris Amott."
"While not a bad album, for those that hoped for something as inspiring as the awesome Wages Of Sin (One of the best Melodic Death Metal albums ever IMO), well most likely be disappointed by this effort.
It starts off fairly well, but a track like We Will Rise, while at first very catchy, can be easy to get sick of (coming from me, and many other people that have heard this song), while the tracks Dead Eyes See No Future and Saints And Sinners are surely the best 2 tracks. Unfortunately a lot of the rest of the album doesn't do a lot to maintain listeners interest for repeated plays."
