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By JEFF MAKI
Tyrants of the Rising Sun is the second DVD release from Arch Enemy, chronicling the band's 2008 concert in Tokyo, Japan. Arch Enemy has risen to the forefront of the extreme metal scene due to their “hottest chick in metal,” death metal vocalist Angela Gassow, and the amazing guitar playing of the Amott brothers, Michael and Christopher.
Well into her career as Arch Enemy's frontwoman, it is clear Gassow has fully embraced her role. In fact, she's grabbed it by the balls with a deathgrip and won't let go. It's gotten to the point where she's not just “that hot chick in that death metal band.” She's now downright scary, commanding the stage and pumping her fist in rage like a savage warrior as she screams verse after deadly verse. Let's put it this way: You'd be a fool to try to pick her up at a bar.
Translated to DVD, this is just as seeing the band live, with all the brutality and guitar godliness of the Amott brothers. It is a fairly typical concert film with no special effects or annoying editing. This works both ways. While it's cool to just watch a bare bones concert for once, it makes the experience suffer somewhat. At 20 songs (including solos), this is a long set and the lack of different camera angles or variations in stage lighting grows tiresome by the midpoint.
An interesting thing is watching the Japanese crowd interact. Their reactions and response are different than that of a U.S. crowd--cheering, clapping and acting more as cheerleaders of the band as they rip through each song. It's a different setting than that of rapid and violent U.S. metal crowds.
Standout songs include “Taking Back My Soul,” “Dead Eyes See No Future,” “We Will Rise” and my all time favorite Arch Enemy song, “Ravenous.” Tyrants of the Rising Sun is a solid addition to the Arch Enemy discography and a must for diehard fans. The DVD includes the special feature “The Road to Japan,” featuring interviews with band members. Also included are the promo videos for “Revolution Begins” and “I Will Live Again.”
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