SOILWORK, ARCH ENEMY and IN FLAMES – A truly diverse experience in Frankfurt tonight!

The evening at the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt was set to be a melodic death metal fan’s dream, with Soilwork, Arch Enemy, and In Flames all sharing the stage. Though all three bands brought their unique sound, energy, and fanbase to the show, making it a truly diverse experience.

SOILWORK kicked off the night as the opener, instantly energizing the crowd with their fast-paced, aggressive riffs and the powerful vocals of Björn „Speed“ Strid. Their mix of melody and brutality was the perfect way to set the tone for the evening, and while Soilwork was the least known band of the lineup, their loyal fanbase filled the venue early. The band’s setlist leaned heavily on their more recent material, showcasing their blend of modern melodic death metal with a progressive touch, satisfying fans of technical musicianship and complex song structures.

Next up was ARCH ENEMY, one of the titans of the genre and undoubtedly a major draw for many in the audience. From the moment Alissa White-Gluz stepped on stage, her commanding presence and ferocious growls captivated the crowd. The band’s performance was a masterclass in precision and aggression, with the dual guitar work of Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis providing the perfect backdrop to Alissa’s raw vocal power. Arch Enemy’s set included fan-favorites like „War Eternal“ and „Nemesis,“ which had the entire venue screaming along. Their performance brought a sharper, more traditional melodic death metal sound to the night, drawing in fans who favor a heavier, more intense live experience.

Finally, IN FLAMES took the stage as co-headliners, bringing a different vibe altogether. While still rooted in melodic death metal, In Flames has evolved significantly over the years, incorporating more clean vocals and accessible melodies. This made them appeal to a wider range of fans, from metal purists to more mainstream rock listeners. Frontman Anders Fridén’s ability to switch between growls and clean singing was on full display, particularly during tracks from their later albums like I, the Mask and Battles, which feature more melodic and experimental elements. Older tracks like „Only for the Weak“ also kept long-time fans satisfied, proving that In Flames still knows how to balance their early, raw sound with their newer direction.

What was striking about the concert was how each band, despite sharing similar roots in melodic death metal, attracted a slightly different crowd. Soilwork’s more progressive and experimental style appealed to those who appreciate complexity and modern metal innovation. Arch Enemy’s intense, uncompromising approach brought in fans of classic melodic death metal and thrash. In Flames, with their blend of old-school aggression and modern melody, managed to bring both the old guard and newer fans together.

In the end, the diversity within the genre was what made the night truly special. The shared passion for heavy music unified the audience, but each band had its moment to shine, showcasing the many faces of melodic death metal. The Jahrhunderthalle’s powerful acoustics only enhanced the experience, making it an unforgettable night for metal fans of all stripes.

See the photos of the concert in the bands socials!

IN FLAMES: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBU2-xqCNkD/?igsh=a3dwbnhyZnhveWVr

ARCH ENEMY: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBTvjehtp-z/?igsh=MTEzdmVlOTVvZnl3Mg==

SOILWORK: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBUgzbLN1nI/?igsh=MWNwNmVwZWZtcWhpdA==