It is not often a band releases two live albums in two years and a studio album sandwiched between to boot; but that is exactly what Halmstad's finest have chosen to do. As the title might suggest the live show was recorded in Tokyo on the bands sell out 2008 Japanese tour infront of a rabid 3000 fans, so the scene was truly set for a monumental show.

'Tyrants Of The Rising Sun' showcases Arch Enemy in blistering form with the Amott brothers shredding through riffs as if their lives depended on it, all ably supported by a rock solid rhythm section of Sharlee D'Angelo and Daniel Erlandsson. Angela Gossow's performance is to her usual energetic frenetic standards and encompasses everything that is good about Arch Enemy; their power and mastery when on form knows no bounds, and this is Arch Enemy on form.

If there is a hole to be picked in 'Tyrants' it would be the distinct lack of early Liiva material, with only 'Dark Insanity','Silverwing' and 'Fields Of Desolation' make the final cut. Which does give the album (and DVD) more a here and now feel rather than the more traditional career encompassing live albums to which we have become accustomed.

The material that does make its way onto the CD/DVD is however by no means weak, and excluding the three solo performances which does seem a little excessive, 20 songs is great value. Packaged alongside a number of promo videos and a 45 minute road movie 'Tyrants Of The Rising Sun' should appeal to existing die hard and newer fans alike. For those not fortunate enough to catch Arch Enemy live 'Tyrants' should be on a continual loop in both your CD and DVD player alike.