Arkangel

Arkangel was formed in 1997 in Brussels by former members of Out for Blood and Wise Up. Perhaps one of the most controversial bands from the notorious Belgian metalcore scene, Arkangel embraced a militant, vegan straight edge lifestyle like most European metalcore bands at the time. They accumulated a reputation for playing violent shows; however, their notoriety was amplified further when most if not all of the band members dropped their vegan straight edge mentality in their later career. 

They were notably signed under Good Life Recordings at one point; the same label that housed similar like-minded bands such as Congress, Deformity and Regression. Due to this, they are sometimes lumped under the H8000 scene, but technically speaking Arkangel isn’t a part of it considering they are from Brussels (nevertheless they are still heavily intertwined in the scene’s history, both musically and whatnot).

As expected, Arkangel plays a brutal, apocalyptic, and hateful metalcore style. They combined Slayer-esque riffing and tinges of the Gothenburg sound. Often times their style is dark, sinister and somewhat melodic. Compared to the other bands at the time Arkangel was much in a league of its own. A year after their formation Arkangel recorded and released their debut EP entitled “Prayers upon Deaf Ears”, which eventually led them to be signed under Good Life Recordings. Unfortunately, in 1999, the main founder and guitar player, Numa, left the group shortly after the release of their first full-length album “Dead Man Walking”.

Apparently it was roughly during this period the band decided to drop their vegan straight edge lifestyle; they were rumours that members of the band were seen eating meat and drinking alcohol. Their third effort, “Hope You Die by Overdose”, was released in 2004. (As far as I know the title of the album was a critique towards hardline straight edge). As of currently, the band is still active playing shows. Their most recent album, “Arkangel is Your Enemy” was released in 2008.