| Live Apocalypse | |
| Type: | video |
| Artist: | Arch Enemy |
| Cover: | Live_Apocalypse.jpg |
| Released: | 24 July 2006 |
| Recorded: | 17 December 2004 and 13 December 2005 |
| Genre: | Melodic death metal |
| Label: | Century Media |
| Director: | Martin R. Smith |
| Producer: | Martin R. Smith, Paul Smith |
| Next Title: | Tyrants of the Rising Sun |
| Next Year: | 2008 |
Live Apocalypse is a double DVD by Arch Enemy, released in 2006. It's the band's first DVD release and contains a full concert and several extras. It was released on 24 July in Europe, 26 July in Japan, and 8 August in the US.
The London Forum concert was actually the last with Christopher Amott before his departure the following year, but he later rejoined the band in 2007.
Live Apocalypse was acclaimed by critics. Justin Donnelly of Blistering praised the DVD describing it like "an extremely well-produced DVD set that presents Arch Enemy at its best in the live forum, as well as offering hardcore followers a little extra" and complete stating that the record "is first-class all the way."[1] Chad Bowar of About.com praised the audio and video quality of the live footage calling it of "excellent." He also added that the record "has great live performances."[2] Ralph of Lords of Metal praised Andy Sneap saying that he "did a good job making it sound perfect." He commented that "there's not much to say about this DVD other than that it is great... First class material, first class band!"[3] Scott Alisoglu of Blabbermouth.net commented that "the 18-song performance stimulates the eyes and ears to the nth degree" and called the sound mix of "phenomenal". He praised the band, but noted that "it is the guitar work of Mike and Christopher Amott that really shines" on the record.[4]
Tony Antunovich of Metal Eater praised the production stating "anything Sneap touches turns to gold." Antunovich commented that "right from the get-go, it's obvious that this is not your typical live DVD. There is absolutely no muffled sound, no piercing amp malfunctions, and you're not going be bored to tears watching one consistent shot of the band performing on stage... The filming techniques are just amazing." He finishes stating that "if there ever was a music DVD that sets the standard for all others to follow, it's this one" and that "truly is one of the best Metal DVDs ever produced."[5] Not unlike him, journalist Jon Eardley of Metal Review ranked Live Apocalypse as one of best metal DVDs along Lamb of God's Killadelphia, Dream Theater's Metropolis 2000 and Opeth's Lamentations.[6]
Live Apocalypse won DVD of the Year at the 2006 Burrn! Magazine Awards.[7]