Arch Enemy – Dead Eyes See No Future EP
Century Media Records – November 30th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
Arch Enemy, love ‘em or hate ‘em, are back (sort of) with the
Dead Eyes See No Future EP. I don’t know what you think about their back catalogue, but I can inform you that the aforementioned is for diehard fans and/or completists only.
Obviously, “Dead Eyes See No Future” is on the disc somewhere, and it just so happens to dwell within the first spot. I like the song quite a bit, especially when I consider that it came from such an extraneous release in
Anthems of Rebellion. No surprise here: the complete track makes an appearance and I trust you’ve heard it before. “Burning Angel” (
Wages of Sin) is the first in a trio of live tracks recorded in Paris. The sound is remarkably similar to that of the album’s; “Burning Angel,” again was a standout track from the ho-hum
Wages of Sin record. “We Will Rise” – another appearance from
Anthems of Rebellion - is easily disposable. In other words, I hate that song. “Heart of Darkness” (
Wages of Sin repeat) is, overall, a fair rendition of the original. Perhaps the real meat of the EP is the covers.
Megadeth’s “Symphony of Destruction” is included, and subsequently ruined due to Gossow’s deep, guttural vocalizations. And, when citing the guitar parts, it’s way
too heavy! Listen to the
Nightwish version instead. “Kill with Power,” a
Manowar piece, is done well enough to make the grade. “Incarnated Solvent Abuse” – a return to
Carcass for M. Amott – is pretty cool, but it’s like painting a third coat on something that only needs two. Why do it?
Dead Eyes See No Future EP should definitely be placed in the unnecessary listening section. I seldom listen to
Arch Enemy anyway, but those of you that worship the band may have to pick this up. I wouldn’t advise it, though.
5/10
Official Arch Enemy website
Official Century Media Records website
