the agonist

One of the most respected and fierce female vocalists in metal- Angela Gossow, has just announced that she will be stepping down from her role as the vocalist of Arch Enemy. She will be replaced by Alissa White-Gluz, former vocalist of Canada based extreme metal band The Agonist.

The announcement came as a shock to fans across the world, because Angela has been the face and the driving force behind the success of Arch Enemy. She joined the band for their 2001 album ‘Wages of Sin’ and since then, has become one of the most popular and revered female frontwomen in metal. Angela will continue to work with Arch Enemy, but will focus on management entirely.

This was her statement:

“Dear Arch Enemy fans, this is not easy to tell you… I have decided to step down from being Arch Enemy’s voice of anger.

After 13 years of pure fucking metal, 6 studio albums and countless tours through five continents, I feel the need to enter a different phase in my life, be with my family and pursue other interests. I will, however, remain business manager for Arch Enemy, and I will continue to develop my artist management roster.

“I am staying true to my heavy metal roots, just leaving the spotlight, so to speak. I am passing the torch to the super talented Alissa White-Gluz, whom I’ve known as a dear friend and a superb vocalist for many years. I always thought she deserved a chance to shine — and now she’s getting it. Just like I got that chance back in 2001.

“I want to thank all Arch Enemy fans, our labels Century Media (worldwide) and Trooper Entertainment (Japan), our dedicated road crew, and in particular Michael, Daniel and Sharlee for their love and support throughout all these years. It’s been one hell of a ride! We conquered every situation, made it through thick and thin together in the most exciting and rewarding time of my life. Thank you all for being there with me on stage, in front of the stage, and backstage. You have touched my heart, and I hope I was able to give something back to you. I am grateful for the wonderful memories – I will cherish them forever!

“I am looking forward to the next decade of Arch Enemy madness! Right now I am listening through rough mixes of the new studio album and I am blown away! 2014 will see a renewed Arch Enemy at the top of their game.

“I am proud to be part of this Arch Enemy chapter, albeit in a different way — revving up the engines behind the scenes.

“I hope to see you in front of the stage; I will join you there this time. Let the killing begin, once again!”
Alissa White-Gluz had this to say:
“I am very honoured and happy to announce a new chapter in my life and musical career beginning now; I have joined forces with one of my all-time favourite and globally respected bands, Arch Enemy. ‘Wages Of Sin’ was the first metal album I ever bought, and it was love at first listen.

“It is not often that you get a phone call from your favorite band asking you to join! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such amazingly talented musicians whom I also consider great friends. I look forward to being able to write and perform at a whole new level now with Arch Enemy! Music is forever, metal is limitless and this is only the beginning!”

Arch Enemy is set to release their ninth studio album ‘War Eternal’ later this June.