Tag Archives: Christopher Amott

PODCAST: Episode 130: Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquillity on Moment

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We caught up with Mikael Stanne of Melodic Death Metal legends Dark Tranquillity. The bands’ new album Moment is out now via Century Media Records. We talked to Mikael all about the new album, changes in the band with Niklas Sundin taking a step back from the band and adding Christopher Amott (ex-Arch Enemy) and Johan Reinholdz (Nonexist) to the band, changes in the music industry over time, the incredible artwork of Moment, created by Sudin, and much more. Interview by Keefy. Purchase and stream the album here https://darktranquillity.lnk.to/MomentID, and check out our chat. Continue reading →

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ALBUM REVIEW: Dark Tranquillity – Moment

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Melodic Death Metal pioneers, Dark Tranquillity, release their twelfth studio album Moment (Century Media Records). The twelve-song album began recording shortly after founding member Niklas Sundin announced his departure from the band (Editor’s note: although he is still involved with the band behind the scenes) on their social media platforms, after touring members, Christopher Amott (ex-Arch Enemy) and Johan Reinholdz (Andromeda) formally joined Mikael Stanne, Anders Jivarp, Martin Brändström, and Anders Iwers as part of the official dT lineup.

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Arch Enemy – Will To Power

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With former frontwoman Angela Gossow leaving the band in 2014, and uncertainty in the guitarist department since the departure of Christopher Amott, it was almost a foregone conclusion that more changes in the Arch Enemy camp lay ahead. Having already released War Eternal (Century Media) with Gossow’s replacement, former The Agonist singer Alissa White-Gluz, the band’s new album Will To Power (Century Media) marks the full-length début of former Nevermore guitar maestro Jeff Loomis. Although a hugely popular choice among fans, it does seem a little strange that lead guitarist Michael Amott should then come out so publicly, saying on one hand how perfectly Loomis fits in the band, yet on the other stating how their two styles simply don’t mesh.Continue reading →


Metal For Hire Adds More Luminaries To Roster

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metal for hire logo

 

Metal For Hire has added slew of new names to its already impressive roster. Now with the addition of current and former members of Arch Enemy, Blind Guardian, Nile, and Ministry; Metal For Hire now boasts an even greater who’s who of greats to help other artists realize their dreams. This follows two impressive rounds of announcements earlier this year. MFH helps musicians hire other well-known, top-tier professional artists.

Karl Sanders of Nile, by Meg Loyal Photography

Karl Sanders of Nile, by Meg Loyal Photography

 

New additions to Metal For Hire:

Alex Holzwarth – (Session Drums, Etc…) Rhapsody Of Fire
Christopher Amott – (Session Guitars, Etc…) Arch Enemy, Armageddon
Danny Finch – (Session Vocals, Etc…) Devilment, The Dead Soul Communion
Jason Netherton – (Session Vocals, Etc…) Misery Index, Dying Fetus
John Jarvis – (Session Guitars, Etc…) Pig Destroyer, Agoraphobic Nosebleed
Karl Sanders – (Session Guitars, Etc…) Nile, Behemoth, Morbid Angel
Marton Veress – (Live/Touring Drummer, Etc…) Armageddon, Pokolgep
Oliver Holzwarth – (Bass Lessons, Etc…) Rhapsody Of Fire, Blind Guardian, Tarja Turunen
Paul Ryan – (Guitar Lessons, Etc…) Origin
Shawn Priest – (Session Drums, Etc…) Arsis, Winds Of Plague
Sin Quirin – (Session Guitars, Etc…) Ministry, American Headcharge
Steve Conley – (Session Guitars, Etc…) Flotsam And Jetsam

 

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Myrkur – M

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myrkur-m

Those who caught last year’s startling eponymous EP from Danish priestess Myrkur will surely be frothing at the mouth in anticipation of début album M (both Relapse). The bewitching amalgam of aesthetics and frozen agonies decorating that EP is, it seems, the template here also: the tremendously affecting medieval harmonies and instrumentation of opener ‘Skøgen Skulle Dø’ gradually fired by a solitary scream and tremolo underpin, while the drop into the eerie coda is both stirring and unnerving.

The early stages of the album show a progression from that début, thanks in no small part to the production skills of Ulver’s Garm, and a host of guest musicians including Teloch and Christopher Amott. The tuba and piano marking ‘Hævnen’ are incredibly effective, whilst truly powerful roars and explosions of sound are balanced by winsome intonations. The lead guitar of ‘Onde Børn’ is augmented by apt pedalwork, giving it an ethereal quality which deafens the down-mixed, trad metal-style riff and blastbeats. As subtleties threaten to engulf, harsh strings produce a delightfully jagged, edgy coda for an almost perfect unity twixt the two poles.

Vocals are at times both exquisite and euphoric: the spellbinding ‘Vølvens Spådom’ a siren’s call, the blend of ecstasy and mourning given staggering might by a reverberating riff. The marching, resonant drums of ‘Jeg Er Guden…’, meanwhile, are enhanced by chiming bells and delightful switches from languid inflections to coruscating rasps. Indeed it occasionally feels as if the Black elements of Myrkur’s sound are something of a supporting cast: the heartbreaking beauty of the Tori Amos-esque ‘Nordlys’ and closer ‘Norn’, plus the lamenting ‘Bissan Lull’ sticking in the mind longer than the nonetheless effective ‘Mordet’ with its blend of Black and NWOBHM rhythms.

There remains enough hostility on offer to keep our extremists intrigued: ‘Skaði’ in particular, with truly chaotic, fearful passages akin to Aevangelist infesting its haunting body, leaves the bones nicely chilled. That something special is at work here cannot be ignored, and M is further proof that this talented, inventive lady is set to confound, attract, entrance and unite disparate factions for years to come.

 

7.5/10

PAUL QUINN


Armageddon Hires New Vocalist

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Armageddon. Photo credit: Keith Marlowe

Armageddon. Photo credit: Keith Marlowe

Armageddon, the metal outfit featuring former Arch Enemy guitarist Christopher Amott, has brought in Antony Hämäläinen (Nightrage, Nervosia, Merdian Dawn) to be their new vocalist. He replaces Matt Hallquist, who sang on their latest release, Captivity & Devourment, which came out on January 26, 2015 via Listenable Records. The CD was mixed by Fredrik Larnemo at Studio Recordia and mastered at Stockholm Mastering.

Armageddon commented:

“We’re happy to announce that Antony Hämäläinen has accepted the position as full-time vocalist for Armageddon. We are looking forward to working with him, as he brings great energy to the band, both on and off stage.”


Armageddon Part Ways With Vocalist Matt Hallquist, Seeks Replacement

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Armageddon, the metal band led by ex-Arch Enemy guitarist Christopher Amott, has parted ways with singer Matt Hallquist, due to “personal reasons.”

A statement was issued on the matter:

NEW FRONTMAN NEEDED FOR ARMAGEDDON
We have some unfortunate news: due to personal reasons our singer Matt Hallquist has been forced to step down from the role as lead vocalist in Armageddon. We thank Matt for his time and commitment to the band. This means we are once again searching for a singer. We are looking for a growler/screamer with great stage presence to tour with us starting next year. If interested, please send us samples of your singing and clear photos or videoclips of your performance.
Material can be submitted right here on our Facebook page or to: armageddondust@gmail.com
Thank you.

Hallquist appears on their forthcoming album Captivity & Devourment, out January 26, 2015 via Listenable Records. Watch the official lyric videos for “Thanatron” here and “Captivity & Devourment” here.

armageddoncaptivity2014cd

The CD was mixed by Fredrik Larnemo at Studio Recordia and mastered at Stockholm Mastering. The cover artwork for Captivity & Devourment was designed by visual master Paolo Girardi, who created this oil painting after reading the album lyrics and story written by Claudius.

Captivity & Devourment track listing:
01. Captivity & Devourment
02. Locked In
03. Rendition
04. Fugitive Dust
05. Conquer
06. Thanatron
07. Background Radiation
08. The Watcher
09. Equalizer
10. Giants


Arch Enemy Adds Jeff Loomis To Lineup For Euro Tour, Parts Ways With Nick Cordle

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jeff loomisarch enemy

Arch Enemy has announced that Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Conquer Dystopia) has joined as their new guitarist, replacing Nick Cordle. He will be joining for their upcoming European tour, starting November 26.

Cordle stated about his departure:

“With War Eternal I believe we wrote an album together which will stand the test of time, and I wish them well for the future.”

USA fans will be able to catch a special reunion as Christopher Amott (the brother of ARCH ENEMY founder/bandleader Michael Amott) has joined the band for the remainder of their American headlining tour.

Michael commented:

”We all wish Nick the very best in his new endeavors and we are sure that you will hear much more from him. We’re also super grateful to my brother Christopher for stepping in to finish the current American tour!”

”The prospect of working with Jeff Loomis moving forward is truly awesome! Jeff Loomis is one of the best guitar players in the metal world in my opinion, as well as being a long time friend. I look forward to tearing it up on stages around the world together as we continue on the War Eternal’ touring cycle throughout all next year and beyond!”

Jeff Loomis states:

”I’m very excited to be playing with Arch Enemy. Michael Amott and I have stayed in contact over the years since we toured together when I was playing in Nevermore. Not only do I admire his guitar playing and songwriting, but I also consider him a close friend. To be able to share the stage with Michael, Sharlee, Daniel and Alissa is something I’m really looking forward to. 2015 is going to be a great year… See you all on tour!”

See below for all upcoming ARCH ENEMY tour dates.
ARCH ENEMY – live in North America with KREATOR, HUNTRESS, STARKILL
Nov. 18: Mill City Nights – Minneapolis, MN *
Nov. 19: Mojoes – Joliet, IL
Nov. 20: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
Nov. 21: Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI
Nov. 22: Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH
Nov. 23: House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
*=without STARKILL
ARCH ENEMY – live in Europe with KREATOR
Nov. 26: Le Transbordeur – Lyon, France
Nov. 27: L’Usine – Istres, France
Nov. 28: Razzmatazz – Barcelona, Spain
Nov. 29: La Riviera – Madrid Spain
Dec. 01: Le Bikini – Toulouse, France
Dec. 02: Le Bataclan – Paris, France
Dec. 04: 013 – Tilburg, Netherlands
Dec. 05: MHP Arena – Ludwigsburg, Germany
Dec. 06: Turbinenhalle – Oberhausen, Germany
Dec. 07: Garage – Saarbrücken, Germany
Dec. 08: Docks – Hamburg, Germany
Dec. 09: Huxleys – Berlin, Germany
Dec. 11: Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, Germany
Dec. 12: Eventhall – Geiselwind, Germany
Dec. 13: Tonhalle – München, Germany
Dec. 14: Z7 – Pratteln, Switzerland
Dec. 16: Institute – Birmingham, UK
Dec. 17: O2 Academy – Bristol, UK
Dec. 18: The Forum – London, UK
Dec. 19: Academy – Manchester, UK
Dec. 20: Academy – Dublin, Ireland
Dec. 21: QMU – Glasgow, UK
Dec. 22: O2 Academy – Newcastle, UK

ARCH ENEMY – live 2015
Jan. 22-26: 70,000 Tons Of Metal – Miami, FL
Jan. 29: Teatro Estudio Cavaret – Guadalajara, Mexico
Jan. 30: Jose Cuervo Salón – Mexico City, Mexico
Feb. 01: Coliseo el Salitre Bogota, Colombia
Feb. 03: Club Blondie Santiago, Chile
Feb. 04: Rock & Soccer Antofagasta, Chile
Feb. 06: Circo Voador Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Feb. 07: Carioca Club – Sao Paulo, Brazil
Feb. 08: Music Hall – Curitiba, Brazil
Feb. 10: El Teatro Flores – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Feb. 12: Plaza de toros Belmonte – Quito, Ecuador
May. 02: Karmoygeddon Festival – Kopervik, Norway
Jun. 04: Out & Loud Festival – Geiselwind, Germany

An exclusive, transparent red ARCH ENEMY/KREATOR split 7” (limited to 500 copies) is available at all North American shows; a dark red 7″ (limited to 500 copies) will also be available on KREATOR and ARCH ENEMY’s European tour, which sees ARCH ENEMY as direct support.

Listen to “Breaking The Law” here. http://www.revolvermag.com/?p=67096

ARCH ENEMY/KREATOR split 7″ track-listing:
Side A (ARCH ENEMY)
1. Breaking The Law (JUDAS PRIEST cover)
Side B (KREATOR)
1. Iron Destiny

Watch the video for “War Eternal” here, “As The Pages Burn” here, “You Will Know My Name” here, “No More Regrets” here, and “As The Pages Burn” live at Masters of Rock 2014 here.

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