It is undeniable that Sweden's Arch Enemy are a major talent in the death metal scene of 2005 and "Doomsday Machine" the follow up to 2003's "Anthems Of Rebellion" has been eagerly awaited by those curious to see what Gossow & co have left to say. Would they go down the root of darker heavier death metal stylings? Or would they perhaps focus more on the intricacy of their guitar work? The answer to this is perhaps both - which works to the bands benefit and detriment – and at times truly making this an album of two sides.

The first thing that hits you when listening to "Doomsday Machine" and particularly so in the instrumental intro "Enter The Machine" is the level of intricacy of the guitar work on this album provided deftly by the Amott brothers. This is a double edged sword on this album however as whilst on many tracks I could appreciate the skill and virtuosity that went into the guitar tracks, sometimes one just desires a brain-crushing simple riff - for that deep down heaviness - and this is an aspect deeply lacking for large parts of the album.

One thing that is undeniably apparent on this record is the leaps and bounds that front woman Angela Gossow's vocals have taken in the intervening time between albums. Whilst her vocals did not fully convince me on earlier releases on "Doomsday Machine" they are pure ball-breaking testosterone-fuelled roars and are most impressive on the tracks "Nemesis" and "Skeleton Dance". Whilst some aspects of this album do disappoint the vocals are one part that I feel the band have truly excelled with on this release.

This is undeniably Arch Enemy's most accessible album to date with anthemic songs like "Nemesis" and "Mechanic God Creation" simply flowing over with hooks, which will make these track work wonders in the live setting. This does however sometimes give the feeling that there is a lack of depth to this album, which will work against it, Personally this album to me is not going to be a classic or an album I pick up years down the line again and again.

Just like marmite this is an album that you either love or hate and it truly does seem to have divided opinion between those who love its new intricacies and those who are disappointed at the lack of the old fashioned death metal stylings. "Doomsday Machine" provides enough for both camps to find something enjoyable in but perhaps not enough substance for real deep down enjoyment. This album is still worth looking into regardless of its flaws.

Standout Tracks:  Nemesis, Skeleton Dance, Out for Blood.

Overall Score:   7.5 /10