Review by Brian McLean
With the release of Dead Eyes See No Future through Century Media Records, Sweden's Arch Enemy continues to demonstrate the reason why they are a leader of the extreme metal movement.
With seven audio tracks and one enhanced video track, the EP is a follow up to AE's 2003 release, Anthems of Rebellion, as well as a teaser for live tracks captured in Paris by producer Andy Sneap during their European headlining tour.
The title track, "Dead Eyes..." is pulled from Anthems... as is the live version of "We Will Rise." The remaining live cuts, "Burning Angel" and "Heart of Darkness" come from AE's 2002 release Wages of Sin.
Two of the three remaining audio tracks, "Symphony of Destruction" (Megadeth) and "Kill with Power" (Manowar) give the listener a taste of what guitarist Michael Amott considers classic metal tunes.
Whereas the final cover, "Incarnated Solvent Abuse" by Carcass which Amott was part of has been recreated in the Arch Enemy style.
The live cuts are nothing short just solid metal live but that's what happens with Sneap at the controls.
If the live tracks are a teaser for a possible future live release by Arch Enemy, from what is on the EP, the album would redefine a live metal album. If not, the listener should just savor the tracks and be thankful for them.
The power of Arch Enemy's performance on this night is evident within the first few seconds of "Burning Angel," the first of the three.
The band is tight. The sound is incredible. Angela Gossow's vocals are deathly and powerful. Christopher Amott and brother Michael's guitar work will pull the air guitar demon out of the most conservative metal head. And the rhythm support from bassist Sharlee D' Angelo and drummer Daniel Erlandsson gives evidence as to why these three cuts are extreme prime choice meaty metal.
The enhanced video clip for "We Will Rise" adds that extra bonus for the purchase which seems to be the norm now for bands which is a good thing. There’s nothing wrong for an added visual to accompany audio.
For the first timer that wants to inquire on this little ol' band from Sweden, the EP would be a good start but the first timer might as well as pick up the Anthems... and Wages... to save time since that will eventually occur.
For the established Arch Enemy fan, it's something to keep them happy even if it's only for a short time.