Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, formed in 1995.
Arch Enemy, the brainchild of Michael Amott (ex-Carcass, Carnage and Spiritual Beggars) was originally assembled from the ashes of legendary British death metal/goregrind band Carcass. Guitarists Michael Amott and younger brother Christopher Amott were joined by vocalist Johan Liiva (ex-Carnage) and then-session drummer Daniel Erlandsson (Armageddon, Eucharist, In Flames) in what Michael Amott called "An attempt to merge melody with aggression and technicality."
The band's debut, entitled Black Earth was released by the now defunct Wrong Again Records in 1996. It obtained a fair amount of success in Japan, achieving MTV rotation with their first single "Bury Me An Angel", as well as moderate sucess in Sweden. More of a "solo effort" than a full band at this point, Michael Amott wrote all the songs himself, and even played bass guitar on the album - contrary to the album's liner notes, which listed vocalist Johan Liiva as handling bass duties. Michael Amott later revealed that he had the credits listed that way to make the album seem more of a "band" effort. Many consider it to be the band's most aggressive album, a trait which was softened to some degree on their following releases, but which was never abandoned.
After the release of Black Earth the band switched labels, signing a contract with Century Media. In 1998 Arch Enemy released Stigmata, for which bassist Martin Bengtsson and drummer Peter Wildoer joined the band. This album obtained the attention of a wider audience, reaching popularity both in Europe and America. This was also the first Arch Enemy album to be released Worldwide.
In 1999, Sharlee D'Angelo assumed the role of Arch Enemy's permanent bassist, and Daniel Erlandsson was once again recruited to handle drum duties, this time on a permanent basis. Burning Bridges was released, and was soon followed by the live album Burning Japan Live 1999, which was initially a release limited to Japan, but later given worldwide distribution due to demands from fans. Burning Bridges marked a shift in Arch Enemy's core sound, now opting for a more melodic approach, while still keeping the brutal heaviness of the first two albums.