ARCH ENEMY’s DANIEL ERLANDSSON On Split With ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ: ‘It Worked Out Really Well — Until It Didn’t Anymore’

ARCH ENEMY drummer Daniel Erlandsson has opened up about the band’s current chapter following the departure of longtime vocalist Alissa White-Gluz and the arrival of new singer Lauren Hart (ex-ONCE HUMAN).

Speaking in a new interview with Brazilian journalist Igor Miranda, Erlandsson reflected on how fans have reacted to Hart stepping into the role — and by all accounts, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I think the response has been overwhelming,” he said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “I could not expect that it would go that well, actually. It seems like the fans, they see something in Lauren that they really like, and it kind of connects a little bit to [former ARCH ENEMY singer] Angela [Gossow]. Her style is kind of similar to that of an Angela. The response has been overwhelmingly good. And now we’re playing the first few shows [with Lauren] as well, and you can tell that the vibe inside of the room or the atmosphere inside of the room is electric. And it’s really cool. It’s almost like we’re starting a new era of the band now, which is kind of funny because we’ve been playing for — what is it? — 30 years or something.”

Rather than viewing the lineup change as a continuation of the past era, Erlandsson made it clear the band is firmly focused on what lies ahead.

“I think that we’re looking forward now into the future. And we are imagining what kind of songs we can have, and the next album and so on,” Daniel revealed. “I think we’re looking forward, if anything, and everybody’s very excited about it. And since the interest in this has been so good, I think we’re looking forward to touring a lot, first of all and just showing that we are a strong live band still, and if not even better. So that’s the priority right now.”

As for White-Gluz’s exit, Erlandsson confirmed that while the official explanation pointed to her pursuing solo endeavors, the situation was more of a natural conclusion to a long-running partnership.

“The story that was official was that, like she said, she left to do her solo stuff. Now I think she has started her own band instead. We had a long, lasting relationship together, and I guess you could say that it came to an end naturally,” he explained. “It was good and it worked out really well — until it didn’t anymore. That’s all I can say about that. Some fans take that [the hard way] — it’s kind of a difficult thing to accept. I know what it’s like when your favorite singer quits, but there’s no reason that you can’t like both sides. You can still be a fan of ARCH ENEMY and Alissa, if that’s the case. So I think it’s all gonna work out for the best for everyone.”

He also admitted that the split didn’t come as a shock internally: “It’s kind of difficult to say, because I think it was something that you could feel it was leading up to a point. Everything was leading up to a point, and once it finally happened, it was not a surprise.”

White-Gluz’s departure was officially announced on November 23, 2025, when ARCH ENEMY shared a statement on social media confirming the split.

“ARCH ENEMY have parted ways with singer Alissa White-Gluz. We’re thankful for the time and music we’ve shared and wish her all the best. Wherever there is an ending, there is also a beginning. See you in 2026.”

Shortly after, White-Gluz addressed fans directly with a message of her own: “After 12 years in ARCH ENEMY, we have parted ways. I am forever thankful to the thousands of amazing fans I have met along the way. Thank you, Beastlings! I can’t wait to share what I have been working on with you all (with some big surprises in store). Stay tuned for big news in 2026 and see you very soon.”

Last month, Alissa unveiled a new project, BLUE MEDUSA, which debuted with the single “Checkmate.” The band features Alyssa Day, Dani Sophia, and Alicia Vigil, with Delaney Jaster performing live drums.