Swedish melodic death metal mainstays Arch Enemy have this weekend ended the months of speculation around the identity of their new singer, announcing that their new lead vocalist is 39 year-old Californian Lauren Hart.
As reported last week, there had been debate over whether former singer-turned-manager Angela Gossow would be up for taking the mic again, which she roundly rejected. Gossow responded to the American’s enlistment on Sunday morning via her Instagram, admitting that “I thought hard about rejoining the band” after recently departed singer Alissa White-Gluz’s resignation, and the band “received many applications from great vocalists all over the world”, but settled on Hart, who was “exceeding my skills”. Gossow also stated her admiration for White-Gluz, declaring “all the best to Alissa! She is gonna kill it with her solo album… and will leave her mark in the world of metal for sure”.
Hart, who also played rhythm guitar in her previous band, has been a name in the global metal scene since 2015, when her band, Once Human, released their debut album, ‘The Life I Remember’, proceeding to release two more since then. The last, 2022’s ‘Scar Weaver’, received strong reviews and featured a guest vocal from Machine Head’s Robb Flynn. The band’s sound, a cross between the melodeath of Hart’s new band, and a distinctly ‘90s groove metal feel, was somewhat a product of the contributions of guitarist Logan Mader, who himself had been in Machine Head. Hart’s experience as a touring vocalist for established power metal band Kamelot has also helped prepare her for this new gig. In an odd twist of fate, White-Gluz has also done guest work with the ‘90s medievalists.
Guitarist and clear band leader Michael Amott said of Hart’s hiring that “working with her was an exceptional experience – her remarkable voice, coupled with her dedication and professionalism, brings a rare level of excellence.”
The announcement came with the unexpected release of a new single, entitled ‘To The Last Breath’. Sonically, it’s classic Arch Enemy, with copious double bass, a big chorus, and a mean, fast riff, giving Hart a chance to show off her vocals to fans for the first time. The pyro-filled music video features the band alongside images of hell and a low-lit eighteenth century ball with Hart commanding the central space, channelling the huge frontwoman energy which Arch Enemy have pioneered through their use of creative female lead vocalists.
The band have also announced tour dates with Hart. The ‘Back To The Root Of All Evil’ tour, announced at the weekend, will be rolling through Europe and culminating in the 11 August gig at Manchester’s Rebellion venue. However, since that announcement they have also disclosed another smaller tour of China and Japan throughout March and April. Hart claimed they would be “small” and “very intense” shows, clearly showing a renewed drive in the Arch Enemy camp.
