Image: Arch Enemy [official press photo]
Arch Enemy have just recently unveiled their new frontwoman, Lauren Hart. She steps into the shoes of Alissa White-Gluz, who left the band last year after eleven years together.
It’s far from the first lineup change in the Swedish band. In more than 30 years of history, there have been four different vocalists alone. Each singer has shaped the band’s discography in their own way. Across twelve studio albums and five EPs, there are plenty of standout tracks you definitely should know.
Burning Angel
In 2001, Angela Gossow took over lead vocals on the album Wages of Sin. The German singer had interviewed guitarist Christopher Amott for a fanzine and apparently impressed right away. She replaced previous vocalist Johan Liiva, who had recruited her and recorded the first songs with her. Gossow’s arrival marked a turning point in the metal scene, as female vocalists in bands with such a heavy sound were still rare at the time. “Burning Angel” remains one of the most popular tracks from the album and is still frequently played live.
War Eternal
With War Eternal (2014), things got more colorful for Arch Enemy. Angela Gossow stepped down after 13 years and passed the baton to Alissa White-Gluz. Known for her brightly colored hair and previous work with The Agonist, she brought a new flavor to the band’s sound, making the title track a milestone in their history. Today, it’s their most streamed song on Spotify.
To The Last Breath
“To The Last Breath” became the first single in 2026 featuring the newly announced vocalist Lauren Hart. She’s no stranger to the scene, having fronted the melodic death metal band Once Human since 2014. Musically, the track feels like a return to the band’s roots, with Hart’s vocals perfectly matching the fast pace and showcasing her power.
Dehumanization
On the 2003 album Anthems of Rebellion, Arch Enemy experimented for the first time with clean, well-produced vocals. These didn’t come from Angela Gossow, but from guitarist Christopher Amott. “Dehumanization” is one of the songs featuring those cleans and lyrically deals with a society numbed through deliberate manipulation — more relevant than ever despite being over two decades old.
I Am Legend/Out for Blood
“I Am Legend/Out for Blood” from the 2005 album Doomsday Machine was inspired by the novel I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, which has been adapted to film multiple times, including the 2007 version starring Will Smith. The song itself also appears in a movie — not in I Am Legend, but in Let’s Be Cops, starring Jake M. Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr., both known from the sitcom New Girl. A metal song with deep meaning in a comedy film — why not reach new audiences?
First Day In Hell
A poll by Revolver revealed “First Day In Hell” from the 2017 album Will to Power as a major fan favorite. Inspired by Alissa White-Gluz’s family history, the song reflects the experiences of her grandparents, who survived the Holocaust. The haunting lyrics mirror events of the 1930s and 40s from their perspective — a deeply moving track.
The Immortal
Before Angela Gossow joined, Arch Enemy released three studio albums with original vocalist Johan Liiva. The Swedish musician had previously played with guitarist Michael Amott in the band Carnage and was instrumental in the band’s early work. “The Immortal” appears on the 1999 album Burning Bridges, marking Liiva’s final major release with the band.
Handshake With Hell
One of the band’s best-known songs is “Handshake With Hell,” famous for both its catchy title and accessible sound. The track appears on the pandemic-era album Deceivers (2022) and deals with accepting the inevitable. Fire plays a major role in the music video — fitting, given the title.
Paper Tiger
Released in 2025, Blood Dynasty became the final album with Alissa White-Gluz on vocals. The song “Paper Tiger” was issued with a music video ahead of the album release. Metaphorically, a “paper tiger” describes something that appears threatening but lacks real substance. The term was coined by Mao Zedong and adapted by the band for one of their now most popular songs.
Nemesis
One of Arch Enemy’s biggest songs is “Nemesis,” also from Doomsday Machine (2005). It has become the band’s signature track and has been a near-permanent part of their live setlists ever since. The guitar riff is among the most recognizable in metal, often covered by up-and-coming musicians and YouTubers. The line “One for all — All for one — We are strong — We are one” practically serves as a chant among fans at concerts — an absolute highlight.
