
Rewind back to 2002 and picture me as a kid in a Slipknot hoodie, holding the latest issue of Metal Hammer in my hands. That April’s magazine came with a free compilation album, pretty standard at the time. I placed the CD into my boombox and soaked in the new noise on offer.
Then, a certain song made me sit up straight, eyes wide with excitement. What’s this blend of fiery guitar leads and double bass kicking me in the chest?! It was my first taste of melodic death metal, in the form of Ravenous by Arch Enemy.