Customer Reviews

Wages of Sin

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Arch Enemy have been in the forefront of the extreme metal genre for a few years now, and "Wages of Sin" should do a lot to solidify their standing. The band's mix of thrash, death, and melodic metal has perhaps never sounded so good. For "Wages of Sin," as is now well-known, Arch Enemy replaced their somewhat traditional-sounding death vocalist, Johan Liiva, with a woman (and a pretty cute one at that)named Angela Gossow. Fortunately, any doubts about Angela's ability to handle the job are dispelled within about one minute of the opening track. Johan was a solid vocalist, but Angela's vicious growling made me forget about him pretty quickly. Angela's voice does have that somewhat high female touch to it, but it matches the music perfectly, and I'd defy anyone who didn't know better to say that it was a woman handling the vocals.

Ms. Gossow's presence notwithstanding, the focus here is, as on the band's previous triumphs "Stigmata" and "Burning Bridges," squarely on the guitars. And there's a very good reason for this emphasis: brothers Michael and Chris Ammott can bring the noise. The riffs are devastatingly precise, the harmonies are perfectly executed, and the solos blaze by faster than a Randy Johnson fastball. Another plus about this album that deserves mentioning is the bass. The bass wasn't quite as much of a presence on the previous two albums as I would've liked, but on "Wages of Sin" bassist Sharlee D'Angelo (who is also new to the band if I'm not mistaken) contributes fast, rumbling basslines that perfectly complement the intensity of the guitars. Daniel Erlandson's drumming, once again, is surgically precise; it isn't always prominent in the mix but it's always there. The only real reason I only gave this album a mere four stars is because the songs do tend to blend together for the most part. Still, when the songs are this good, that's a minor complaint. 4.5 stars.

I bought this album the day after I saw Arch Enemy come through Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the fifteenth (or was it sixteenth?) annual Metalfest. The crowd went absolutely crazy during their performance, and it was the first time I had ever seen the band live (or heard an entire set of their music, for that matter). It was honestly some phenomenal material. I was unaware that they had changed their vocalist to a woman, so I didn't even immediately recognize them after they came on stage. For a few years now I had heard good things about this band, but had never actually gotten around to purchasing any of their material. I can honestly say that I've been missing out on a lot of great music by these guys. Their reputation is well earned, and any metalhead should respect this album. Some people complain about the difference (which is relatively slight) between the old vocalist Johan and the new vocalist Angela, but both vocalists fit the music very well. (And hey, at least it's not as severe as when Sepultura picked up David Green after Max left the band!)

I think in my case, and in the case of just about any new fan of Arch Enemy, this album is wonderful, especially if you get your hands on the double-disc copy. That way you can compare some of the great stuff they have now to other tunes the band played when they had their old vocalist. The music videos included are also well produced. I had heard a lot of hype about this album at Metalfest, and after I heard the band in concert I knew that the studio produced material must be incredible - and I was right. From start to finish this album is thunderous and keeps a handle on its own originality and feel. Not a single song disappointed me, and I've been a metal fan for over a decade and was also a DJ in Nashville, Tennessee for the underground metal scene during my four year stay there. So I think it's fair for me to think that my opinion means something to you readers. "Wages of Sin" is a great, upbeat, killer album that still maintains the band's reputation for progressive guitar work and musicianship while knowing how to bring the house down at the same time. Check this disc out if you like the heavy stuff. You won't be disappointed.

First of all, I would like to say that anyone who thinks this album isn't very good is wrong. I own many death, black, thrash, and power metal albums and I don't just mean like 25 or so, I mean a lot more, and I know when I hear a good band. This album is excellent. I'll admit, some songs can seem the same, but there are some bands that absolutely sound all the same. Not only that, but the vocals are quite good. I really respect the fact that the vocalist is a female. It is extremely hard for any woman to get into a metal band because some stupid men have to feel like their manhood is threatened by her. Personally, I think it just shows how weak those men can be. She may not be the best, but she is pretty good. Not only that, but the guitarists have been around for a while and you can definately hear it. It takes real talent to play as good as them. Another great feature on this album is the extra cd and the bonus video-track. For anyone who is willing to appreciate real metal, I say you should at least give this one a chance. Believe me, I was skeptical at first too, but I'm glad I gave it a try.

For those of you who think that Kittie or Otep is the heaviest band with a chick singer, make way for their superiors, Arch Enemy. Just one listen to the song "Ravenous" will show you all the talents that pour out of this band. Heavy riffs, amazing solos, insane drum lines that would make the feet of a normal drummer cease to have any feeling in them, and while Angela Gossow's vocals may not be too diverse in range, they certainly fit the music and give it that evil touch. Especially in "Web of Lies". If you're impressed with Kittie's new album (for whatever reason) or Otep, you will surely be blown away by this much better, much more sophisticated band. I recommend them for any thrash or metal fan.

This album (or should I say albums?) is incredible, to say the least. In a time where any old shmuck from Sweden that plays the guitar and uses the scales over and over (and over, and over..) and become one of the best known guitar 'heroes', it's refreshing to hear something that's actually melodic, but staggeringly excuted and heavy. The solos are great too. The drums are another standout of this album too. They're not just the typical 'look at me, I can do blast beats' for an hour, and they're not just boring double bass drum licks over and over again. This album is a defining moment in melodic/thrash/death metal, and even if you've lost faith in melodic metal, you should still check this out.
The Band-
Angela, vocals- Wow. Who could've thought that someone could outdo AE's old singer (forgot his name..), and it's a chick (a good looking one at that!)! Many people don't like her vocals, but I think they're great. What I would like to hear on the next album is her clean vocals...

Michael, lead guitar- Wonderful guitarist. Period. If you doubt me, just listen to 'Dead Bury Their Dead' or 'The First Deadly Sin'. Not only are these guitarists talented with leads, these guys have some mindblowing rhythms as well.
Christopher, lead guitar- It seems that Christopher didn't talk much part in WRITING the material on this album, but he certainly added a spark (a BIG spark) to it with his wailing leads. Think of Zakk Wylde's style of playing and Yngvie's style put together, and you'll get Christopher. Just listen to 'Ravenous'.
Sharlee, bass- I haven't listened to a lot of AE's previous material, so I can't see if any one has improved, but you can obviously tell that this man has a trick or two up his sleeve. Thanks to wonderful production, Sharlee's bas rips through every song. And, not only is Sharlee audible, it adds a 'BOOM' to the music (instead just sounding like an extra instrument, ie. Slayer).
Daniel, drums- Daniel does everything I have already mentioned and more. Finally, a drummer who's not out to show the world how insanely fast he can go, even during a ballad. While the presence of blast beats are there, I believe Daniel was influenced by the like of Lombardo and Ulrich. Just listen to 'The First Deadly Sin'.

Well, this album is probably the best melodic death metal I own. Yes, it is better than 'Jester Race'. While 'Jester Race' in it's entirety is good, you don't ever hear Angela gasping for air. Definately a must buy for new fans of AE or people who are looking for some new Swedish metal.

I first got into Arch Enemy with Burning Bridges. Which is just an amazing album I thought to myself how could it ever get better?. When I first heared Wages of Sin I was a bit disappointed. Musically the album was breath taking. However Angela's singing was not appealing to me.

After a few listens I got into her style and was blown away by the cobmination of her vocals with the music. Ever since this has been one of my most listened to cd's and I can't seem to stop listening. Here are my track reviews of just cd 1.


Enemy Within (5/5). Such a great song to open the album with very impressive.

Burning Angel (5/5). What can I say? simply great stuff here. The Amott brothers never cease to amaze me as well as the entire group.

Heart of Darkness (4/5). I found that when this song slows down it ruins it abit. I would have liked to hear the song on the level of intensity it opened with.

Ravenous (10/5). Ten out of five even though thats mathematically impossible. This song is brutal, fast, and intense. This is hands down one of the best songs on the album as well as one of the best Arch Enemy songs to date. The guitar riffs and solo's are amazing, the drumming is lightning fast, and the vocals are nice and brutal like always :).

Savage Messiah (5/5). A slower song but still amazing. I can't find much to say about it.

Dead Bury Their Dead (5/5). Brutal.. but isn't that what we are looking for?. One of my favourites I must say. Every thing is top notch once again. Daniel's drumming to Angela's vocals to Sharlee's bass riffs to the Amott brothers riffs and solo's the song is a beautiful work or art.

Web of Lies (5/5). Another one of my favourites. Very very good song. Just simply another work of beautiful metal art.

The First Deadly Sin (10/5). Can you say blazing fast guitar riffs? I can. Can you say blazing fast drumming?. This song is amazing. Again every one's performance is top notch.

Behind The Smile (3/5). I can't seem to really enjoy this song that much. Ofcourse it's a good song just doesn't seem to appeal to me for some reason.

Snow Bound (4/5). Nice short instrumental that leads into Shadows and Dust.

Shadows and Dust (5/5). Good song. Ofcourse once again it's all top notch amazing stuff. However if your not into the vocals by now your probably wanting to turn off the cd like I was with my first listen to this album.

Lament Of A Mortal Coil (5/5). Amazing song to end the album with. Brutal, and mean yet beautiful and nice to the ears yeah?. I must say so this is what it's all about simply amazing.

I wish I would have reviewed this album sooner. This is an amazing band. One of the best metal bands around right now no contest. I suggest this album to anyone who is a fan of true metal music. You shouldn't be disappointed what so ever but ofcourse every one has their own opinions on good music.

Wages of Sin...What to say about this melodic power/death masterpiece. We will start with Angela. With this album, AE bring a new vocalist to the frontlines. Angela dispells all concern of a female vocalist by dry-barking and growling throughout 100% of the album (no clean singing here). Now we come to the Amott brothers. I being a guitar player, know b.s. guitar work when I see it and let it be known that these two are some of the best lead players in all of metal! Almost anyone can play really fast scales with no feeling or personality (um...Zakk Wylde...), but the Amott brothers (Michael in specific) play the most emotional, techinical, and beautiful solos I've ever heard. I prefer their guitar work to that of Bodom and Dragonforce (although these are both great bands). Lastly, this album threw me from the world of korn, L.B., and Incubus into the awsome world of Soilwork, In Flames, and other great Swedish death metal bands. Even if you don't like metal, or growling vocals, buy this for the guitar work, which anyone who has ever picked up a guitar should enjoy!

I love Arch Enemy. This album is one of my favorite melodic death metal albums. Angela Gossow's vocals scare me but I want to learn to scream like that. I really love the Amott brother's guitar playing as well. Ravenous is one of the greatest songs ever. RAVENOUS FOR MORE METAL!!!

ARCH ENEMY - Wages of Sin.
-
This was my first (And so far only) CD by Arch Enemy... Having heard all the hype I was unsure what to expect. For my sake it sounded NOTHING like Kittie... In fact Angela's Scream wouldn't even likely be picked out as being the voice of the fairer sex. At times she comes off sounding like X-Chromosome version of Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity) or Thomas Lindburg. (At the Gates / Nightrage) Her voice is top tier for a Female Metal vocalist, easily beating out Kittie or Otep.... but on a whole she falls short of the greats (Mikeal - Opeth or Anders - In Flames) Still though this is a lot better than many other vocalists in the genre. And also when comes to Death Metal there is a certain acceptance for Metal Vocalists being a bit one-dimensional.
As far as the instruments go the Bass is quite prominent in the mix and sounds great (Specially for Metal)... not only provides a great wall of sound but he also does some good bass licks... The drumming is actually some of the more creative Death Metal Drumming I've heard in awhile... Besides the standard double-kicker work this guy does some really cool nice fills and beats. (i.e. The symbol work during the guitar solo at 3:00 of Enemy Within.) The real highlight of this band is the musicianship of the Amott Brothers... These guys are incredible, showcasing some of the finest melodic-death guitar work I've heard in quite some time. The solos are fantastic... especially Burning Angel and Web of Lies, but really every song is a showcase of their talent.

Overall, this is by far, some of the finer Melodic Death that came out in this millennium... Off the top of my head this is only eclipsed by Dark Tranquillity's, Character and Arsis' A Celebration of Guilt & A Diamond for Disease EP.

Favorite Songs: The First Deadly Sin, Ravenous, Burning Angel, and Web of Lies
-4.5 Stars.


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Most of the reviews I've seen of _Wages_ and _Anthems_ fall into one of two categories: people who still like Arch Enemy but prefer the reign of Johan Liiva...and people who praise the "new" Arch Enemy just because they have a female lead singer who is so terrifying bad to the bone that we Arch Enemy fans can easily believe she could kill us thirteen ways before we hit the ground.

I would suggest that the first category is probably made up of people who were with Arch Enemy from the beginning and thus resist the innovation in the vocals on general principle...and that the second is just a bunch of very silly people who unnecessarily tie Angela Gossow's sex to her musicianship.

I have made my judgement of this album (and of "new" vs. "old" Arch Enemy) independent of both these factors. Having been introduced to all the band's music at about the same time, I find myself drawn to _Wages_of_Sin_ in particular, and though I do take the vocals into account I base my review more on the instrumentation.

_Wages_, musically speaking (I am a guitarist of a moderate skill and a drummer of minimal skill), is the best of all Arch Enemy's albums that I have ever heard (and I have heard all of them except the oldest one). _Wages_ features the most creative guitar riffs, the best leads, the most pleasing harmonies, and the most orgasmic solos, as well as steel toed drums that kick you in the teeth with the force of a trebuchet.

Johan Liiva is a Phil Anselmo clone. I'm sorry, but he is. Phil's screaming, anyway. But Angela Gossow is something new and unique. It has nothing to do with her sex. Indeed, I originally heard her voice and assumed it was a man's (as the vast majority of metal musicians are male). That she is female is a great social victory for feminism and a blow to the popular assumption that the only music women can make is poppy and fluffy. But musically speaking she's just a freakin' amazing metal vocalist.

I argue in favor of _Wages_ based totally on its musical merit. For an example of an incredibly crafted solo, listen to "Burning Angel". For an example of precision coordination between two harmonizing guitarists, listen to the high speed dual section of the solo in "Ravenous". For incredibly hard hitting riffs, listen to "Heart of Darkness" and "Dead Bury Their Dead". And throughout notice the masterful use of double bass drum and the blood curdling growls of the vox.

_Wages_of_Sin_ represents a musical techical achievement of, more than anything else, PERSONALITY in both the vox and guitars, as well as an almost vulgar display of percussive skill in the drums. It towers above _Stigmata_ and _Burning_Bridges_ preceding it and _Anthems_of_Rebellion_ proceeding it. _Wages_ stands as one of the best crafted death metal albums of all time, and though _Anthems_ served as a pleasing diversion (and actually the first of Arch Enemy's albums that I heard), I hope that in future the band returns to the unique style and impressive technical achievement of _Wages_of_Sin_, truly a metal masterpiece beyond compare.