Stigmata

Stigmata is an early melodic-death-metal record on which ARCH ENEMY combined keen guitar riffs, weeping leads and fierce vocals to further hone the debut’s direction. Johan Liiva’s raw growl and the melodic dialogue of the Amott brothers’ twin guitars push the songs open dramatically. The aggression is very strong, yet memorable melodies rise within it again and again. On “Beast of Man,” “Sinister Mephisto,” “Dark Of The Sun” and “Diva Satanica,” fast riffs and stately melody interlock tightly, balancing death-metal weight with guitar lyricism at a high level. A longer song like “Bridge Of Destiny” shows constructive development too. Presenting the identity shown on the debut with clearer outline and musicianship, it is a full early ARCH ENEMY record that resonates deeply with listeners who want both ferocity and lyricism.