Album Review: Arch Enemy – Deceivers (Century Media Records)

A ton of singles, one short delay and finally, it’s time for the extreme metal masters Arch Enemy to release their brand-new studio album. Called ‘Deceivers’, this 11th studio release will see the light of day on August 12th, 2022 via Century Media Records.

Fans have had plenty of chances to sample what this new album has to offer as Arch Enemy have released a bevy of singles from it as they built towards the full release. Tracks like Deceiver, Deceiver; where Arch Enemy show off their penchant for, and ability to deliver in your face, fast-paced and compelling metal. Sounding like old-school Arch Enemy and current Arch Enemy at the same time.

Tracks like House of Mirrors, a punchy head-banger that mixes their incomparable death metal style with classic heavy metal riffs and a catchy as hell chorus. Or In the Eye of the Storm, featuring a blend of melodic riffing that has dark weight, absolutely killer vocals and a drum beat that compels the head to bang along. The cherry on top being a kick-ass guitar solo.

These were the singles we checked out and reviewed pre-full release. Suggesting to us that Arch Enemy might have their ‘magnum-opus’ on their hands here. Helped by the blistering other singles; Handshake With Hell and Sunset Over the Empire.

Having now heard the full thing, we can very much confirm this is the case. A band reinvigorated and re-energised. Combining the years and years of history with their natural, evolved direction. Deceivers is the most crowd-pleasing Arch Enemy album the band could have ever put out.

Every single instrument is working in glorious tandem. The fire and ferocity, the unmitigated heaviness and aggression, the melodies and soloing, the intensity of the vocals and rhythmic energy of it all, it’s very enjoyable.

What’s also really great, is that the songs Arch Enemy chose to not release as singles, are just as hot and heavy as what they did. This is a ‘fat-free’ album, moving at a killer pace and exciting the senses constantly. Yet, it’s also a glowing tribute to heavy metal at the same time. Check out that guitar intro and chorus of The Watcher and tell me that doesn’t put a stupidly big smile on your face? One of the album’s most enjoyable listens.

Though, a track that is moody, melodic and meaty in the way Poisoned Arrow shouldn’t be ignored. Arch Enemy really showing just how inspired they were and how that has been filtered into something that can rightfully be called the best thing they have done in a very long time.

Never count this band out. Just when you think they can’t surprise you anymore, along comes an album like Deceivers to shut up any and all naysayers.

Arch Enemy – Deceivers Full Track Listing:

1. Handshake With Hell
2. Deceiver, Deceiver
3. In The Eye of The Storm
4. The Watcher
5. Poisoned Arrow
6. Sunset Over the Empire
7. House Of Mirrors
8. Spreading Black Wings
9. Mourning Star
10. One Last Time
11. Exiled From Earth

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