It has been a week since Arch Enemy's concert at Zepp KL - and my excitement has gone down by 0%. They were the third metal giant I saw on that same stage in 9 months (Testament Sept ‘23 & Kreator Jan ’24 being the other two).
The day started with my friend and I camping in a hotel lobby at noon where we hoped Arch Enemy were staying at. After 4 hours of staring at the lift doors opening and closing, Arch Enemy-less, we let out the wisest words spoken that day. "I don't think they're in this hotel".
In the venue, we began lining up at 4pm with the goal of being right in front of Michael Amott (spoiler: we suceeded). In line, I met metalheads who were attending their first ever concert, metalheads who are in a band and trying to live the dream, metalheads who wear their seasoned battle vests with pride, and the classic metal gatekeepers (we don't talk about them much). It was nice seeing everyone being so welcoming and friendly. Some were giving out pointers to the metal concert virgin, some were promoting their own bands, and some were busy saying Arch Enemy was better with Johan Liva (again, we don't talk about gatekeepers).
The doors opened slightly after the promised time, 8pm due to a proven scientific term called “Malaysian Timing”. My friends and I ran straight to the left side of the stage, which is known to be Michael's spot and waited with a grin for what was to come.
Amalgama, a band from Russia opened the set. They describe themselves as a “Melodic Rock” band, but I think “if Scorpions and Iron Maiden had a baby, that would be Amalgama” has a better ring to it. They are a bundle of joy to watch. I have never experienced the 80's, but the emotion and performance they brought with them truly makes me believe that I travelled through time that night. They have everything I wanted in a band. Catchy riffs, great headbanging capabilities by the guitarist & bassist, an engaging frontman, and a killer clown mascot!
They were so good that I forgot this article was supposed to be about Arch Enemy. Anyways, they came on around 9pm to a room full of hungry metalheads and started their set with Deceiver, Deceiver. What can I say? Michael's hand dances across his fretboard melodically as always, Joey's lead guitar work made it seem as if he was the founding member of the band, Daniel is a human metronome, Sharlee (who reminds me of The Mountain from Game of Thrones) brought forth perfect Death Metal aggressiveness on stage & Alissa worked as the powerhouse - running from end to end and guiding the crowd through every melody.
This was my second time seeing Arch Enemy, and my first time seeing them in my home country - I had the privilege to see Jeff Loomis with them in 2018. Usually, the first time is treasured and more enjoyable. However, Arch Enemy just continue to improve as a live band. Every melody gave me goosebumps, every note Michael played was replied with a smile by me (i don't think he noticed, though) and every scream Alissa let out was met with even louder screams.
It took them 12 years to return to Malaysia. I hope they return in 12 months & I hope it is for a new album tour.
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