Will to Power cover

Will to Power

Arch Enemy · 2017

56 min · 14 tracks · melodic death metal

A relentless blend of melodic riffs and aggressive vocals that encapsulate the spirit of modern melodic death metal.

Top tracks — play these first

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    The Race — Opening with an infectious energy, this track combines rapid-fire guitar work with powerful lyrics about ambition that set the tone for the entire album.
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    The Eagle Flies Alone — This song stands out for its anthemic chorus and introspective themes of independence and resilience, reflecting a mature perspective in the band's lyrical approach.
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    Blood in the Water — With its gripping melody and sharp lyrics addressing betrayal, this track exemplifies Arch Enemy's signature blend of aggression and melody, making it a fan favorite.
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    A Fight I Must Win — Closing out the album, this track delivers a potent message of perseverance and hope through heavy instrumentation and emotionally charged vocals, leaving a lasting impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has some uneven pacing across its length.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature rapid-fire drumming and intricate guitar solos that set a high-energy tone.
  • Several songs incorporate melodic choruses that contrast with the aggressive verses, creating dynamic shifts.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • aggressive energy for workouts
  • cathartic release in intensity
  • focused listening with momentum

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer soft, mellow sounds
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution in their sound after significant lineup changes.
Career context
Will to Power is Arch Enemy's tenth studio album, marking a significant phase in their career following the departure of guitarist Nick Cordle. Released in 2017, it showcases the band's continued evolution after 2014's War Eternal, with a more refined sound and the introduction of new guitarist Jeff Loomis.
Stylistic neighbors
In Flames· Soilwork· Dark Tranquillity

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Race 3:15
  • 2 Blood in the Water 3:55
  • 3 The World Is Yours 4:53
  • 4 The Eagle Flies Alone 5:15
  • 5 Reason to Believe 4:47
  • 6 Murder Scene 3:50
  • 7 First Day in Hell 4:48
  • 8 Saturnine 1:09
  • 9 Dreams of Retribution 6:40
  • 10 My Shadow and I 4:05
  • 11 A Fight I Must Win 6:34
  • 12 Set Flame to the Night 1:19
  • 13 Back to Back 3:21
  • 14 City Baby Attacked by Rats 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata