by Alitzia Tyminksi
Arch Enemy celebrated their 30th anniversary illuminating Toronto alongside Baest, Fit For An Autopsy and Thrown Into Exile on their momentous North American Blood Dynasty Tour.
Thrown Into Exile kicked off the evening, “Toronto you are beautiful city!” with their brand of early aughts melodic metalcore from the “The Forsaken” to “You’ve Fallen So Far”.
Danish death metal Baest delivered a high-energy power punch five song set as frontman Simon Olsen celebrated his birthday. Baest dedicated “Gargoyles” to Trevor Strand of Black Dahlia Murder. Performing tracks “Colossus” and “Misfortunate Son” gave Toronto a teaser of their upcoming album release on August 15 2025, Colossal on Century Media.
Fit For An Autopsy were rabid and ferocious as vocalist Joe Badolato introduced FFAA, “For those who don’t know who we are we are a band called Fit For An Autopsy we just came out with a record, The Nothing That Is.” (Nuclear Blast)
As a Torontonian and Rush fan, you got to love seeing international musicians touring Toronto wearing Rush shirts on stage, drummer Josean Orta was merciless in his kicks sporting a Rush shirt.
A tip of the hat to the mighty Metallica, “For Whom The Bell Tolls” graced the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in anticipation of Arch Enemy.
The lights suddenly went pitch black and transcended into a curtain of Blade Runner 2049 inspired lighting unveiling Arch Enemy warriors; Alissa White-Gluz (Vocalist), Michael Amott (Guitar), Joey Concepcion (Guitar), Sharlee D’Angelo (Bass) and Daniel Erlandsson (Drums) as they launched into, “Deceiver Deceiver”.
“Toronto! We are Arch Enemy and tonight for you we are ravenous!” Alissa White-Gluz roared as they proceeded with “Ravenous”.
Revisiting classics from “My Apocalypse” to “The Eagle Flies Alone”, Arch Enemy performed “Blood Dynasty”, “A Million Suns”, “Liars & Thieves” and “Dream Stealer” from their latest release this past March, Blood Dynasty (Century Media).
“Dream Stealer”, a powerful and inspirational track from Blood Dynasty, taps into a shared universal truth one faces when in self-doubt bringing light to overcome their internal struggle.
With Arch Enemy’s intention to create music that is relatable and a strong woven thread to empower others found in previous albums, Alissa sang, “Telling tales of yesteryears, my fears I face, As I, a human find my place” during, “A Million Suns”.
The stage was adorned with an enlarged backdrop of Alexander Reisfar’s stunning artwork, (the artist’s third album collaboration with Arch Enemy) featured on the Blood Dynasty album cover.
Founder Amott carried an arsenal of visually striking Dean Guitars from his signature series ranging from the “Blood Red Guitar”, “Tyrant X Splatter” and a metallic silver finish “Tyrant Tin Man”. Witnessing tracks such as “Ravenous” and “Sunset Over The Empire” in real time is a combination of an eyegasm and eargasm by the legendary melodic death metal shredder Amott alongside Conception and D’Angelo in synchronicity.
White-Gluz originally from Montreal, a literal lioness with her sun placed in Leo encompasses the heart of a lion advocating for animal rights.
A fashion icon with electric blue hair in a futuristic bodysuit glowing in the dark and shifting colours under a spectrum of lights, White-Gluz exuded the presence of a heroine.
Arch Enemy tour extensively for many months of the year and deliver every performance 100% which must be acknowledged and accredited for their tenacity.
The Swedes continue illuminating souls with their fiery enduring light akin to the tale of the mythical phoenix for its symbolism and breathtaking beauty rising from the ashes with resilience. There is always potential for rebirth and new beginnings as one finds solace with Blood Dynasty on their own journey.
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