Albums of Purgatory interview Arch Enemy's Michael Amott

Albums of Purgatory: Firstly, whats the band up to right now?

Michael Amott: We just got back from 5 week tour of the USA and we are waiting to go back out there again in October. We are also writing new stuff…

AoP: How would you describe the Arch Enemy sound?

MA: Long, thick and hard.

AoP: How did the band begin?

MA: With a few solid riffs and a bottle of Vodka.

AoP: Can you remember your first gig (how did it go)?

MA: Yes, I can remember it was in Sweden 1996. It wasn't that spectacular, but the crowd response was very good. The first gig with Angela was in L.A last year (2001) and that was a crazy show - very intense indeed.

AoP: How did the band come across new vocalist Angela Gossow and what sort of influence has she had on the band?

MA: Hey, I'm feeling lazy today… That's a well documented story by now (how we found our new singer) - you'll have to look that one up somewhere else! As far as her influence on the band goes, well…she's had a huge impact on our fan base and has been very professional in every situation she's been thrown into - touring, promotion, writing lyrics and generally being very involved in the band.

AoP: What sort of press and fan reaction have you been getting for Wages of Sin?

MA: It's been crazy, we didn't really expect such a overwhelming response to the record…but it's nice! We aren't complaining!

AoP: How does the new album differ to previous releases?

MA: It's better, duh! Seriously, it really is, ha-ha…

AoP: What are your favourite Arch Enemy tracks?

MA: "Savage Messiah" and "Heart Of Darkness" are my 2 current favourites…+also all the new shit we've written!

AoP: What are your favourite all time songs?

MA: Too many too mention really, I'm a huge music fan and the stuff I listen goes in all directions. Right now I am listening to Tommy Bolin - "Private Eyes" (1976)…a great record!

AoP: What would be your dream band line-up?

MA: I'm already a part of my dream line-up!

AoP: What do you think of the position of metal and music in general today?

MA: Better than it was 5 years ago.

AoP: Do you have any funny stories about the band you can share with us?

MA: Yeah, but I'll save them for a rainy day…or maybe a DVD?

AoP: And finally, what do you see in the future for Arch Enemy?

A new album and more touring. We see no reason to slow down now.