Deceivers is the 11th studio album from Swedish melodic death metal act Arch Enemy, and third release with Canadian vocalist Alissa White-Gluz (ex-The Agonist), who replaced longtime singer Angela Gossow, who retired from performing with the band to take on managerial duties. It is also the second album for co-lead guitarist Jeff Loomis, formerly of Nevermore.
Most of the tried and true Arch Enemy characteristics are here in force as you would expect; fast paced, crunchy metal songs littered with manic riffs and blazing lead guitar solos, and of course female death metal growls & screams. Opening track "Handshake with Hell" though adds a nice twist, as Alissa tosses in some of her melodic clean vocals with her growls, and it's a tremendous track that brings the variety but still hits hard with some crushing riffage and blazing leads courtesy of Loomis and founder Michael Amott. "Deceiver, Deceiver" is another winner, a barnstorming thumper with relentless drumming courtesy of longtime member Daniel Erlandsson and some wild back and forth soloing from Amott & Loomis. The mid-paced crusher "In the Eye of the Storm" hits hard, as does the anthemic "Poisoned Arrow", proving the band can slow things down and still be as effective, but if you want manic Arch Enemy, check out the frenzied "The Watcher", a real blazer that sees the band firing on all cylinders. "House of Mirrors" is another speedy ripper here, and you also get a marvelous instrumental, "Mourning Star", a short, atmospheric piece featuring some lovely guitar solos. There's even some melodic prog/power metal on the closing track "Exiled From Earth", adding some additional depth to Deceivers.
While you could arguable say that Deceivers doesn't really add anything new to the growing Arch Enemy catalog, it's a strong and satisfying release that should please most fans who look forward to their blend of Swedish death metal with boatloads of virtuoso guitar solos. Job well done as always from this veteran act.
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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