Arch Enemy Live @ Billboard, Melbourne, Australia

Under Black Flags We March

One begins to lose track of all the international Metal acts that tour our shores. As a photographer, more often than not, one gig just leads into the next and a deep seeded feeling of complacency certainly has a nasty habit of creeping in. One band begins to look and sound exactly like the one before it.

But then there’s Arch Enemy.

I have photographed them twice now and on each occasion I have been completely and utterly blown away by the sheer professionalism and attitude this band put forth. There is no harder working band on the world circuit these days. No one. They take pride and care about each and every performance they put forth under the Arch Enemy banner.

Whether they are meeting fans or collaborating with the press, the band is a beacon for how to do things right and tonight’s performance at Billboard was certainly no exception.

Billboard is a smaller venue to what Arch Enemy are probably used to but once again, they brought their A-Game and put on a blindingly amazing set in front of a ravenous and receptive crowd!

The stage was magnificently lit and featured breathtaking video screens which just added to the maniacal energy pouring off the stage. Most bands don’t even bother with any sort of production when they are doing the smaller venue circuit but the fact that Arch Enemy do just reeks of professionalism and a band that cares about everything that comes under their moniker.

The diminutive Angela Gossow had the crowd in the palm of her hands as always and commanded the stage with presence and an aura that just could not be ignored.

New guitarist Nick Cordle has slotted in nicely and visually, suits the band much better than his predecessor Christopher Amott.

With a carefully selected set, Arch Enemy came to Melbourne and lay her to waste with style, substance, class and a finely tuned Metal band at its absolute prime.

Simply an incredible band. ‘Nuff said!