It seems that Arch Enemy is intent on infusing new life into their back catalogue. Earlier this year, 1998’s Stigmata and 1999’s Burning Bridges were re-mastered and re-issued. Both titles feature original vocalist Johan Liiva, who currently fronts Hearse. Liiva was also at the vocal helm in 1996 for AE’s debut, Black Earth. After those three albums, current growler Angela Gossow replaced him. Now with four studio albums under her own belt, Gossow has tackled the best of the Johan era. However it wasn’t just the vocals that received a makeover. The band: guitarists Michael and Christopher Amott, bassist Sharlee D’Angelo and drummer Daniel Erlandsson completely re-recorded the 13 songs that appear on The Root Of All Evil. A decade’s worth of improvement in studio technology unarguably makes new versions of ‘The Immortal’ and ‘Demonic Science’ sound crisper and cleaner. In the bass dept., Sharlee didn’t join the Enemy until Burning Bridges; Johan handled the four-string on the debut while Martin Bengtsson played on the sophomore CD. Also notable about Stigmata is Darkane drummer Peter Wildoer filling in for Daniel. However, the most notable difference between the original recordings and the modern versions is in the mix – Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Nevermore) has usurped Fredrik Nordstrom (The Haunted, Dimmu Borgir). ‘Bury Me An Angel’ is just as brutal and exhilarating, whether sung by Johan or Angela. The original version sounds dirtier, whereas the 2009 take is brighter. Which is better? It’s a matter of personal preference; there is no definitive answer. But the bottom line is, both are incredibly aggressive. For the record, Johan Liiva deems The Root Of All Evil “damn unnecessary.” Conversely, Michael Amott views the production on the initial ‘Beast Of Man’ for example, “more like a demo” and sees the new version as “heads and shoulders above the original.” Personal fave ‘Sinister Mephisto’ didn’t get a facelift, yet ‘Silverwing’ and ‘Dark Insanity’ still deliver the same ferocious punch they did years ago. If nothing else, The Root Of All Evil proves that the Amott brothers are masters at melodic metal.
