Arch Enemy - Dead Eyes See No Future EP (Century Media Records) By: Justin Donnelly

Although originally only available in Japan as an exclusive E. in support of the bands sold out tour, the demand for the EP has ensured the release of Arch Enemy’s Dead Eyes See No Future EP outside of Japanese shores for the first time, and along with it’s re-release comes a couple of bonus tracks to make it all the more enticing.

As the title suggests, the lead off song ‘Dead Eyes See No Future’ has been lifted from their hugely successful Anthems Of Rebellion album of 2003, and in reality needs no introduction here. I can only assume that in order to appeal to a wider audience, ‘Dead Eyes See No Future’ was chosen because it was far more mass appealing than something like ‘Leader Of The Rats’. Either way it matters little, as most will be more likely interested in what else the EP has to offer.

Next up are three tracks recorded from Arch Enemy’s headlining show at Elysee Montmartre in Paris earlier this year (In February, with support coming from Zyklon and Stampin’ Ground). Producer Andy Sneap has once again ensured that the live versions of ‘Burning Angel’ (Lifted from 2002’s Wages Of Sin), ‘We Will Rise’ and ‘Heart Of Darkness’ (Both from Anthems Of Rebellion, with the latter previously unavailable on the Japanese version of the EP) sound as immaculate as their studio counterparts, while maintaining the live feel (Crowd noise, feedback and vocalist Angela Gossow’s on stage banter) of a live performance.

The real bonuses here however are the EP’s three exclusive cover versions.The first to be given the Arch Enemy makeover is Megadeth’s classic ‘Symphony Of Destruction’ (Taken from 1992’s Countdown To Extinction). The band (Guitarists Michael and Christopher Amott, bassist Sharlee D’Angelo and drummer Daniel Erlandsson) maintains the structure of the original (If a little heavier), while Gossow puts her vocals through a strange distortion, as well as slowing down her delivery. Granted, it’s a different take on the number, but one I’m afraid that doesn’t quite translate well.

Working far better however is Manowar’s ‘Kill With Power’ (From 1984’s Hail To England). The combination of extreme heaviness and an ultra past rhythm section sheds new light on the track, with Arch Enemy almost making it sound like their own.

The final number sees Arch Enemy tackle Carcass’ ‘Incarnated Solvent Abuse’ (From 1991’s Necroticism - Descanting The Insalubrious), which is no surprise given that Michael Amott was once a member of the band. Needless to say, it’s once again faithful to the original, and another stand out number.

The final addition (Again, not included on the Japanese edition) is the inclusion of the promotional video clip for ‘We Will Rise’.

With over thirty minutes of music on offer, the Dead Eyes See No Future EP is well worth every bit of the small asking price, and a way to pick up those rare covers (And live tracks) without resorting to the inflated price of the Japanese import.

Related Link: archenemy.net