War Eternal is the ninth studio album by Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, which was released first in Japan on 4 June 2014 by Century Media. It is the first Arch Enemy album in 15 years since Burning Bridges to feature a new line-up; Alissa White-Gluz took over on vocals after former long-time vocalist Angela Gossow stepped down from vocal duties to be the band's business manager.[6] Additionally, ex-Arsis guitarist Nick Cordle replaced Christopher Amott in 2012. Cordle ultimately left the band just before their European tour and was replaced by former Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis.[7]
Background and development
On 3 March 2014, the band revealed the album's title War Eternal and the release date.[8]
On 17 March 2014, Angela Gossow released a statement announcing her departure from the group and welcoming her replacement, former vocalist of Canadian melodic death metal band The Agonist, Alissa White-Gluz. In the statement, she wrote that while she had enjoyed her time with the group, it was time for her to move on, be with her family and pursue other interests. Gossow did confirm that she would remain Arch Enemy's business manager, and would be "passing the torch to the super talented Alissa White-Gluz, whom I’ve known as a dear friend and a superb vocalist for many years. I always thought she deserved a chance to shine – and now she’s getting it. Just like I got that chance back in 2001."[6]
White-Gluz also released a statement saying:
"I am very honoured and happy to announce a new chapter in my life and musical career. Wages of Sin was the first metal album I ever bought, and it was love at first listen. It is not often that you get a phone call from your favourite band asking you to join! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such amazingly talented musicians whom I also consider great friends. I look forward to being able to write and perform at a whole new level now with Arch Enemy! Music is forever, metal is limitless and this is only the beginning![9]
Artwork
The artwork for this album was created by Costin Chioreanu.[10] Chief songwriter, guitarist and band leader Michael Amott commented about the artwork:
"I was looking for a hand-drawn feel with a unique atmosphere, something that would complement the music that we’ve been working so hard on these last couple of years. In the end my choice fell upon Romanian artist Chioreanu Costin, whose work I’ve admired for some time. Costin really grasped my vision for the artwork and layout, he’s delivered some of the coolest artwork elements we've ever had with Arch Enemy![11]
Promotion
The first single and music video, "War Eternal", was released on 20 March 2014. The video was the first of three produced and directed by Patric Ullaeus and his Revolver Film Company.[12] A supporting tour of over 80 dates began in May 2014. The second music video and single was "As the Pages Burn". On 27 May, they released their third music video, "You Will Know My Name".[13] The fourth video, "No More Regrets", was released the same week as the album. A fifth music video for the track "Stolen Life" was released on 5 May 2015 which was the first to include Jeff Loomis on guitar. The track is almost identical to the album version, but it includes two extra solos recorded by Loomis.
Accolades
At the 2014 Burrn! magazine awards, War Eternal won Best Album and the title track won Best Tune.[14]
Track listing
Standard Edition
No.
Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1.
"Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor)" (Prelude)
^"Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 26.Týden 2014 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
