I am thankful to get the opportunity to meet some really incredible musicians and people while doing Metal Nation interviews. Some I get to have small snapshots of time with, and others I get to grow a closer friendship with. Joey Concepcion and I became friends outside of an interview, so it was fun to do this in reverse. Most of you know him as the new guitarist for the powerhouse Arch Enemy, but did you also know he makes solo music? I think metal music is in safe hands with this newer generation.
Arch Enemy is a melodic death metal band that started in 1995 in Sweden. Sweden is home to some of the best bands in the rock and metal world, in my opinion. While the band has been through many lineup changes, the music remains consistent and impressive. Musicians: Michael Amott (guitar) Daniel Erlandsson (drums). Joey Concepcion (guitar), Sharlee D’Angelo (bass), and newest member, vocalist Lauren Hart, have released a single titled “To The Last Breath”, which was released on February 10th. 2026. Since then, Arch Enemy has kept the machine moving with many shows and tours. Hart has been welcomed with open arms, which is lovely to see. As she should, she is an incredible vocalist and performer.
As I mentioned previously, Joey Concepcion also has released two solo albums: Alignment in 2017 and Divine Technical Machine in 2023. He is definitely a guitar virtuoso and is a well-respected musician. The albums are creative and beautiful, while showcasing his insane talent. Concepcion had his hand in some creative influence with Arch Enemy‘s last album, Blood Dynasty, as well. Not only is he a wizard of a musician, but he is one of the kindest and most humble humans on this planet.
Concepcion was kind enough to sit down with Metal Nation and discuss Arch Enemy and his solo music.