Succeeding an appreciated singer is not easy, failures are numerous. But the case of Arch Enemy is different, Angela Gossow had prepared her succession and "War Eternal" was a triumph beyond expectations. The tour lasted almost two years and a dantesque live show was born. Alissa White-Gluz was an obvious choice for the band and the arrival of Jeff Loomis during the tour brought an additional weight. So this tenth album, "Will To Power", was awaited with serenity.
And we can only be amazed by the alchemy that emerges from this album. Everything is stronger, more melodic and also more powerful. More powerful because on several titles, the sound is even more death notably by the tone that Alyssa uses. Thus 'The Race' and 'First Day In Hell' are great slaps and beautiful answers to those who found Arch Enemy predictable. It goes in the same way in the melodic side, Alyssa finally sings wth her clear voice and the result is brilliant. 'The World Is Yours' imposes itself as the ideal single, with a simple and effective melody, brilliant riffs and a clear vocal interlude. And there is 'Reason To Believe' in which Alyssa sings mainly in clear with a lot of emotion, getting closer to Doro on heavy metal passages. Very catchy with its strong chorus, this track has everything of a hit.
Arch Enemy also offers us some classic melodic death metal tracks such as 'Blood In The Water', 'The Eagle Flies Alone', 'Murder Scene' and 'My Shadow And I'. One can only appreciate the very fine work on the soli and riffs with sometimes even a small neo-classical side. This goldsmith work on the guitars bursts completely on two songs, 'Dreams Of Retribution' and 'A Fight I Must Win', on which an orchestral and epic touch is invited for a perfect, cinematographic and dramatic result. Moreover, Ayssa's raging vocals bring an additional dark touch that contributes to the success of this alchemy.
Great things were expected from Arch Enemy and the band went beyond even those expectations. "Will To Power" is a brilliant record, both powerful and accessible, that brings together all of the band's qualities and successfully dares to explore new territory.