If you weren’t already aware, Arch Enemy has once again taken to the road in support of their latest release, Blood Dynasty, which dropped less than a month ago. This marks the twelfth album in the band’s catalog and the fourth to feature Alissa White-Gluz on vocals. When Angela Gossow stepped down over a decade ago, many wondered if the band could continue at the same caliber. With a decade under Alissa’s belt, it’s safe to say Arch Enemy not only weathered the transition but has continued to evolve and thrive, solidifying their place in modern metal.
True to form, the band isn’t hitting the road alone. They’ve brought along a powerful and diverse supporting lineup that made for an impressive night of live music.
The evening kicked off with Thrown Into Exile, a band I was surprised to find I hadn’t photographed before. While metalcore isn’t typically a genre I gravitate toward, there are a few bands that manage to break through—and Thrown Into Exile is one of them. Despite a relatively short set, they left an impression. I attended the show with my daughter, Sydney—my frequent concert companion and budding photographer—and we had a chance to chat with vocalist Evan Seidlitz. He couldn’t have been more gracious, taking the time to speak with Sydney and making a lasting impression with his kindness. I have no doubt we’ll cross paths with the band again.
BAEST, currently making their U.S. tour debut, brought a refreshing dose of classic death metal with a modern edge. Their opening track, “Genesis,” evokes the early era of Morbid Angel, and there’s even a nod to vintage Entombed, though sans the iconic “buzzsaw” guitar tone. Despite that, BAEST delivered a relentless and satisfying performance. With a new album slated for release this summer, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them back stateside before long.
Having seen and photographed Fit for an Autopsy multiple times over the years, I knew what kind of energy to expect—and once again, they delivered in spades. A few years back, I recall them joking about their usual Portland venue being Dante’s, a spot that caps out around 500 capacity. Those days are clearly behind them, as their fanbase continues to grow and their live presence demands larger stages. Their performance was tight, commanding, and absolutely deserving of the larger crowds they’re drawing.
Finally, Arch Enemy took the stage and proved once again why they’ve remained at the forefront of melodic death metal for so long. Alissa White-Gluz’s stage presence is undeniable—she commands the audience from the first note and keeps the energy high throughout the set. Joey Concepcion, the latest addition on guitar, stepped in seamlessly for Jeff Loomis, whose departure still remains unexplained publicly. As expected, the set leaned heavily on Blood Dynasty, but longtime fans were treated to staples like “Nemesis,” “We Will Rise,” and “My Apocalypse.”
This marked the second time Sydney has had the chance to photograph Arch Enemy from the pit. During her first outing, Alissa spotted her and threw her the horns—but unfortunately, Sydney wasn’t quite ready to capture the moment. She’d hoped lightning would strike twice, but this time it wasn’t meant to be. Still, there’s always next time—and that’s part of the magic of live music.
After all these years, Arch Enemy continues to prove they are far from slowing down, consistently delivering blistering live performances and surrounding themselves with strong supporting acts. With Blood Dynasty freshly released and the tour just getting underway, there’s still time to catch them if they’re rolling through your town. Be sure to pick up the album, support the bands, and don’t miss a chance to experience this lineup live—it’s a night of metal well worth witnessing.