To me, it’s always been a mystery how Arch Enemy became the big band it is today. There was nothing particularly different in what it did back in the early 2000s (granted, it had a frontwoman growling, but was that really new then?). Yet, it had a solid formula that was immediately recognizable. They gave us a few classics, and I’d be lying if I said Wages of Sin and Doomsday Machine aren’t childhood staples for me. Ever since, the band has felt washed—there, I said it. So, with zero expectations, I enter Blood Dynasty, hoping it’s at least better than Duke Dynasty (my worst joke to date, yay!).
Blood Dynasty tries a few twists and turns here and there, but it remains loyal to Arch Enemy’s late-career formula. You get the mean riffs, flashy guitar sections, and enjoyable vocals you’ve always had. There’s not much to add except that this is more of the same. Arch Enemy delivers fun and familiarity, though I wouldn’t call it consistent—some tracks hit harder than others. At times, Blood Dynasty even feels like a little homage to ’80s Metal (not the serious kind, but the Glam one), with riffing that nearly reaches a happy vibe—rare in our era of ultra-edgy Metal. Sure, it feels thicker and less “Swedish,” but the band is still driven by dynamic guitar solos that sometimes verge on excessively cheesy. Here, though, they strike a decent balance between aggression and mellowness.
As you can tell, I sound numb, almost diplomatic in this review. Well, it’s hard to write about an album that, in a way, I’ve been listening to for the past decade. Arch Enemy clearly isn’t here to change; it’s far too comfortable where it is. My frustration lies in the songwriting: you get these exciting, engaging choruses and guitar solos sandwiched between almost generic old-school riffs. Those sections could use more creativity—something to surprise me for once! But no. Just like when a puppy dies suddenly, there’s no return to happier times. And Blood Dynasty passes through your ears as easily as it came.
If you’ve enjoyed the band’s recent years, you’re in good hands. If, like me, you’re desperate for it to try something new, you’re screwed—because Arch Enemy sticks to its old tricks from Blood Dynasty’s first moment to its last. For some, that’s comforting; for others, it’s frustrating. Now, I’m going to dunk my head in icy water to cool off the anger.
Label: Century Media
Release date: March 28, 2025
Website: https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/music
Country: Sweden
Score: mmm..It’s ok? Or 2.5/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 