Former Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro has accused Arch Enemy of copyright infringement over similarities between his 2024 track Talking Dreams and the Swedish melodic death metal outfit's new single To The Last Breath.
According to comments made by Arch Enemy, Loureiro and his lawyer have been in touch over the matter. And Loureiro took to Instagram to post a salty comment alongside a video that highlights the supposed similarities. It can be viewed below.
In his comment, Loureiro writes: "Just helping promote Arch Enemy new song… you’re welcome."
But Arch Enemy moved quickly to shoot down any claims of plagiarism, posting a video of a 2022 demo recording of To The Last Breath. The date is significant as Loureiro's track was only released in 2024 on his Theory Of Mind album.
Arch Enemy mainman Michael Amott says in a statement: “Hey Kiko, sorry to disappoint you and your lawyer, but as you can see and hear, I had the melody back in 2022 already, two years before you released your song.
"Any similarities are purely coincidental. Enjoy the video and good luck with your music, I will continue to not listen to it. Cheers!"
Amott's comments suggest that a lawyer for Loureiro has been in touch.
Meanwhile Angela Gossow, former Arch Enemy vocalist and the band's current manager, waded in on Loureiro's Instagram post with: "Never heard Kiko's song before to be honest. So three notes are the same?
"Well, I guess that happens quite often in music. So sad to read a post like this from a guitar player we all respected. What is this good for?"
As if any added spice was needed, Loureiro's Angra and Arch Enemy are both on the bill for this month's Bangers Open Air festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
In his own response to the Instagram post, Amott adds: See you at Bangers Open Air."
To The Last Breath is Arch Enemy's first single with new vocalist Lauren Hart.
