In a new statement reflective overview of her two-decade career in heavy metal, Alissa White-Gluz discussed the perseverance and long-term commitment that have led to the launch of her solo project. Recalling her early years, she pointed to her beginnings as a teenage theatre set designer and stage manager before eventually rising to prominence as the frontwoman of Arch Enemy.
White-Gluz noted that her path as a vocalist began with a basement karaoke recording of “Crazy Train,” an experience that helped her gain visibility within her local underground scene. She emphasized that, from the outset, she maintained hands-on involvement in all aspects of her work — from designing merchandise to handling equipment and coordinating directly with promoters.
According to White-Gluz, her transition into a solo career is the result of years of sustained effort and personal sacrifice, including extensive touring under demanding conditions and, as she stated, “giving more than half of my life to music.” While she brings 20 years of experience to this new chapter, she expressed that she feels she is “only now really getting started.”
Her full statement reads as follows:
“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. I started out working in theatre as a set designer, building and painting huge, realistic scenery. As a teenager, I went to so many underground metal and punk shows, I figured I would try my hand at stage managing local bands. I ended up meeting a band that needed a singer, and since I went to so many shows and knew everyone in the scene, they asked me for my help. I was sure I could find someone for them but it ended up being harder than I had initially thought. Not wanting to go back empty-handed, my best friend (still best friend to this day) recorded me singing ‘Crazy Train’ karaoke on her Boss 8 track in her basement and we quickly burnt a cd of it.”
“The next day I went to show the band the ‘new singer’ I had found for them. ‘Is it okay if it’s a girl?’ I had to ask, since there were none in the scene. They listened to the demo, loved it and asked who it was. I smiled and told them it was me.”
“From that point on I started hand-drawing and designing merch, booking venues, composing music and lyrics, driving the van and trailer across the continent, sleeping in the van in the deep freeze of winter and the boiling heat of summer squished in with four dudes, showering in a Walmart sink, getting changed for the show in the trailer using a car battery my dad rigged up to a light so I could see what I was doing in there even with the door closed for privacy, selling the merch, sending in the Soundscans, settling up with promoters, loading gear, engineering songs and then getting home and picking up odd jobs just to pay for the next tour.”
“I gave more than half of my life to music so far, and yet somehow it feels like I am only now really getting started. I’m so thankful for the amazing team of people I have had around me for years, including my crew, peers, industry connections, friends, family and fans. Want to hear more about how it all began?”
After parting ways with Arch Enemy, Alissa White-Gluz is moving full steam ahead with her solo career. Earlier this weekk, she revealed the first members of her new project, confirming guitarists Alyssa Day and Dani Sophia, while teasing that more music is on the way. The identity of her rhythm section is still under wraps.
White-Gluz’s departure from Arch Enemy was officially announced on November 23, 2025. The band shared a statement on social media: “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.”
Speaking directly to her fans, White-Gluz expressed her gratitude and excitement for the future: “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.”
Immediately following her exit, White-Gluz unveiled “The Room Where She Died,” the lead single from her upcoming solo album. The track offers a bold glimpse into her new artistic direction and showcases her creative independence.
Regarding the release, she shared: “I hope you love this first offering from my upcoming solo album.”
“‘The Room Where She Died’ is a song that feels truly satisfying to me; like I get to express myself in so many ways that have been dormant for years.”
“This upcoming album is diverse; and I love the idea of opening up this new chapter with this song and video, which I wrote the script for.”
“Can’t wait to share more with you!”
