Arch Enemy, quite possibly one of the best and most-talked about extreme metal bands on the planet today, have been invited to join Iron Maiden on shows in Canada, New York and Los Angeles in January, and 2 shows in Japan in February.

The Swedish bands' current album 'Anthems of Rebellion' was described upon its release as 'the most frenetically expected metal album of summer 2003'. The critical acclaim for this album from Tokyo to Tijuana, (and everywhere in between!), even exceeded that for the bands 2002 release, 'Wages of Sin', as did the worldwide sales figures.

They made the cover of Terrorizer (UK) and Metal Maniacs (US). Alternative Press gave Anthems Of Rebellion a 5 out of 5 review, calling it 'the best melodic death metal album of 2003… the kind of monster tracks most death metal bands only wish they could write.” Kerrang! gave it a coveted 5 out of 5 Ks, as well as album of the month and it scored 9/10 in UK Metal Hammer. Anthems Of Rebellion not only entered at the #1 slot on the CMJ Loud Rock charts, but stayed there for four weeks in a row, and their track 'We Will Rise' is now a staple on MTV2's 'Headbangers Ball' show in the US.

The band's relentless touring schedule over the last two years, (in addition to cementing their demigod status in Japan), also took in wildly acclaimed shows everywhere from Korea to Los Angeles, major European festivals, and at least five trips backwards and forwards across the States. In fact they have just returned from a long but hugely successful trek around the US supporting Slayer on the Jagermeister tour, easily winning over the notoriously tough Slayer crowd every night.

Maiden fans in particular should appreciate the dynamics of Arch Enemy - featuring as they do Michael and Chris Amott, two of the most exciting extreme yet melodic metal guitarists in action today, the phenomenal drumming of Daniel Erlandsson and the extraordinary (you'll know what we mean when you hear them!!) vocals of Angela Gossow

Guitarist, songwriter and band founder Michael Amott had this to say:
'This is incredible news, supporting Iron Maiden again - how cool is that? We had the privilege of supporting them at two big shows in Oslo, Norway earlier this year - and I can tell you that it was an awesome feeling being the main support to the greatest Heavy Metal band of all time (can't argue with that fact, right?). So to be able to do it again so soon, in Canada and New York City (both of whom have been really good to us this year), is just perfect! We are also really excited about this opportunity to hit the States this quickly again after the SLAYER Jagermeister tour we just completed - all you new Arch Enemy converts out there - we wanna see you losing it down the front for these shows as well, OK??!

We shall be celebrating with cups of “Glögg’ (traditional Swedish Christmas drink) tonight!'

www.archenemy.net