Metal devotees once again raised their horns for an electrifying and symphonic metal night with Arch Enemy at SM North Edsa Skydome last Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Twelve years might have passed since their debut in Manila. Including a larger audience and venue for PULP Summer Slam, compared to the intimate Skydome show. And even though there might be some changes with the band’s line up, true metalheads still gather to witness string sections Michael Amott, Joey Concepcion, and Sharlee D’Angelo shred and slap back-to-back melodies as Daniel Erlandsson keeps the thundering double pedals on perfect metronome.

While the show was intimate, and even though the headbangers and moshers are getting old [hehe], they have managed to exhibit that Metal music in Manila meant serious business. Throughout the band’s playing time attendees were still able to slam, and create their moshpit–running in a violent circle like they were in their 20’s.

The band managed to jolt up powerful leads and beats, featuring blending growls and high pitches from their vocalist, Alissa White-Gluz. And as expected, Michael Amott did provide string and pitch bending riffs that created breathtaking spasm to his audience.

Track selection-wise, a mixture of old and new favorites were placed on a plate–leaving everyone happy at the end of the day. This includes Spotify quintessentials such as “War Eternal,””My Apocalypse,””Handshake With Hell,” and up to “No Gods, No Masters.”

‘It won’t take that long’

After the gig, the band posted their utmost gratitude to their Manila fans online. For them, it feels good to be back after more than a decade.

“Wow, Manila! What a great feeling to be back here in the Philippines after all these years!,” as it reads.

They assured their fans that they will be back soon, and that it would not take more than 12 years to do so.

“We promise that it won’t take another 12 years before we come back! Mahal namin kayo, Manila! Hanggang sa muli,” the band assured.

Arch Enemy’s “Deceivers Tour” is powered by PULP Live World.

After their performance in Manila, the band toured Thailand as they continued their “Deceivers Asia tour.”

Words and Photos by Aram Lascano