What makes Burning Angel by Arch Enemy notable?

Burning Angel received positive critical acclaim and helped to further establish Arch Enemy as leaders in the melodic death metal genre. The EP showcased Angela Gossow's powerful vocals and contributed to the band's increasing popularity, paving the way for their subsequent successful full-length albums. Released in 2002, Burning Angel was Arch Enemy's first EP after their acclaimed album Wages of Sin. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the melodic death metal scene, following a lineup change that brought vocalist Angela Gossow into the forefront, marking a significant evolution in their sound and identity.

How many songs are on Burning Angel?

Burning Angel has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Burning Angel

Arch Enemy · 2002

11 min · 3 tracks · melodic death metal

A ferocious blend of melodic riffs and guttural growls, driving the essence of Swedish death metal into a raw, powerful expression.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Burning Angel — The title track exemplifies the aggressive yet melodic style that defines Arch Enemy's sound, featuring intricate guitar work and commanding vocals that set the tone for the EP.
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Lament of a Mortal Soul — This track highlights the band's ability to blend melody with heaviness, incorporating dynamic shifts that showcase both technical prowess and emotional depth in the lyrics.
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Starbreaker — A cover of a classic track, 'Starbreaker' illustrates Arch Enemy's reverence for heavy metal roots while infusing it with their signature melodic death metal flair.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The EP effectively combines melodic elements with aggressive vocals, solidifying its place in the genre.

What we noticed

The opening track features a rapid tempo with intricate guitar harmonies layered over aggressive drumming, establishing a high-energy atmosphere.
Each song incorporates melodic interludes that contrast with the harsh vocal delivery, creating dynamic shifts within the tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped solidify Arch Enemy's presence in melodic death metal after Wages of Sin.
Career context: Released in 2002, Burning Angel was Arch Enemy's first EP after their acclaimed album Wages of Sin. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the melodic death metal scene, following a lineup change that brought vocalist Angela Gossow into the forefront, marking a significant evolution in their sound and identity.
Stylistic neighbors: In Flames· Soilwork· Dark Tranquillity