Will To Power is the second album with Alissa White-Glutz at vocals. She replaced Angela Gossow in 2014 (now the band’s manager). Like the other records by Arch Enemy, their sound (instrumentally) is constant. This record has the classic Arch Enemy sound while Alissa adds her own personal style throughout the entire album. Only the vocals have changed throughout.

This record came out back in September. The sound is very 80’s-ish during some of the chorus’ and melodies of the instruments. For instance, the songs “A Fight I Must Win” and “The Race” are good examples. In every song, there are amazing melodies, and chants that will get stuck in your head all day. If you like the old Arch Enemy sound, the song “The Race” has the components that are very similar to their older work. And if you like metal ballads, the song “Reason to Believe” is for you. This song shows the diversity and range in Alissa’s voice. She does some clean vocals but also has her signature growls. Now, I am a history buff, so in the song “Blood in the Water” when Alissa says, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth…” I got really excited because Hammurabi’s Law Code is legendary (I literally just took a test on it). Alissa has developed her voice and she is now doing different styles and tones throughout this record.

Michael Amott (Carnage; co-founder of Carcass) wrote the music on this offering, though the legendary Jeff Loomis (Nevermore; Conquering Dystopia) has joined the band as of 2014. Maybe on the next record Jeff will get to show his stuff. Daniel Erlandsson (Brujeria; In Flames, Subterranean) is the master time keeper, as usual. Sharlee D’Angelo (King Diamond; Mercyful Fate; Witchery; Dismember) is back, again, on bass to round out this Super Group. This record shows how Arch Enemy is evolving and is demonstrating how talented this band really is.

Favorite songs: First Day in Hell, The World is Yours, and Reason to Believe

Rating: 8/10

THE SAW