Every Arch Enemy Album Ranked

Arch Enemy, the harbingers of “pure fucking metal” are known for their particular brand of Swedish melodic death metal and three of metal's most ferocious vocalists. The band recently released their 12th studio album Blood Dynasty so what better way to celebrate the new release than ranking all of their studio albums from ‘worst’ to ‘best.’

12. Stigmata (1998)

Now just to highlight a certain point at the beginning of this ranking, there are no ‘bad albums’ in Arch Enemy's discography, just some which are stronger than others but we need to begin somewhere. The second studio album featuring the original vocalist Johan Liiva, there are remnants of Carcass remaining in the band's sound on this album whilst building on the foundations of their debut. Despite some killer tracks on their sophomore offering, it doesn't stand out as much as the other albums in the band's discography.

Stand out tracks: Beast of Man, Dark of the Sun, Let The Killing Begin, Tears of the Dead

11. Rise of the Tyrant (2007)

What can only be classed as a slow-burner, Rise of the Tyrant doesn't have any massive anthems or crowd pleasers however it can't be denied that the riffs are razor sharp and the aggression is palpable. Often over-looked for its lack of muscular presence, it's still an enjoyable listen.

Stand out tracks: Blood On Your Hands, The Last Enemy, I Will Live Again, Revolution Begins

10. Khaos Legions (2011)

The last album to feature Angela Gossow on vocal duties, this album focuses more on aggression and guitar detail rather than memorable moments. Nevertheless, this album still serves as a worthy curtain call for one of metal's most iconic female vocalists.

Stand out tracks: Yesterday Is Dead and Gone, Bloodstained Cross, Under Black Flags We March, No Gods No Masters.

9. Will To Power (2017)

The first album to feature American guitarist Jeff Loomis after he joined the band in 2014 and his influences can be heard throughout. Capitalising on catchy hooks and sheer brutality producing some of the band's popular crowd pleasers whilst also experimenting with Alissa's clean vocals for the first time in the band's history.

Stand out tracks: Blood In The Water, The World Is Yours, The Eagle Flies Alone, First Day In Hell

8. War Eternal (2014)

The first album to feature Alissa White-Gluz after she was passed the torch from Angela Gossow. With huge boots to fill for an already well established and popular band, Alissa completely nailed it with her unique and distinctive vocal abilities. Arch Enemy made a grand and explosive return with this new era with tracks which are now solid staples in their live performance arsenal.

Stand out tracks: War Eternal, You Will Know My Name, Time Is Black, Avalanche, Down To Nothing

7. Black Earth (1996)

The debut and the beginning of a legacy. Founding member Michael Amott took the foundations of the early Gothenburg sound, his experiences in Carcass and created a whole new powerful beast entirely. As far as debuts go, this one is legendary and still holds its own almost 30 years down the line.

Stand out tracks: Bury Me An Angel, Dark Insanity, Eureka, Idolatress

6. Burning Bridges (1999)

The last album to feature original vocalist Johan Liiva and the beginnings of what we still hear in Arch Enemy's material today. Production and structure is sharper, the melodies are more refined and the band's group efforts are precise.

Stand out tracks: Pilgrim, Silverwing, Dead Inside, Demonic Science, Seed of Hate, Angelclaw

5. Blood Dynasty (2025)

The latest addition to the band's fiery discography, full of catchy riffs, dense atmosphere and muscular attitude. Combining rage with speed and mid-tempo stomps, Alissa showcases her broad range of vocal abilities complete with a track sung entirely in French. This is also the first album to feature guitarist Joey Concepcion following the departure of Jeff Loomis in 2023. Check out our full review of Blood Dynasty here.

Stand out tracks: Dream Stealer, Illuminate The Path, March of the Miscreants, A Million Suns, The Pendulum

4. Deceivers (2022)

It was during this album that Alissa found her anchor and brought Arch Enemy to all new heights. Brutally heavy compositions with harsh yet captivating melodies, incredibly catchy hooks and a muscular energy which just lay waste to everything. Some of the band's biggest tracks are heard on this album appeasing both old school fans and newcomers.

Stand out tracks: Handshake With Hell, Deceiver Deceiver, The Watcher, Sunset Over The Empire, House of Mirrors

3. Doomsday Machine (2005)

Any of the next three Arch Enemy albums can be chosen for the number one spot so at this point, the ranking is based purely on current vibes. Doomsday Machine is an iconic album, producing some of the band's most ferocious tracks to date. Angela Gossow is absolutely terrifying on this record.

Stand out tracks: Taking Back My Soul, Nemesis, My Apocalypse, Carry The Cross, I Am Legend/Out For Blood

2. Anthems of Rebellion (2003)

Anthems of Rebellion lives up to its name; rebellious, focused, ferocious and completely unrelenting in nature. Angela Gossow's presence on this record is venomous and the band remain staunchly and belligerently metal in a world obsessed with the rising and accessible metalcore subgenre at the time. 

Stand out tracks: Silent Wars, We Will Rise, Dead Eyes See No Future, Leader of the Rats, Exist to Exit, Despicable Heroes

1.Wages of Sin (2002) 

The first album to feature Angela Gossow on vocal duties which sparked controversy at the time. However Angela quickly destroyed the naysayers and produced the finest album of Arch Enemy's career. From beginning to end, each track on this album is a certified banger.

Stand out tracks: The whole album.