In a recent conversation with Germany’s Metal Hammer magazine, Alissa White-Gluz reflected on how challenging it was to reveal her exit from Arch Enemy last November, bringing an end to her 12-year run with the extreme metal powerhouse.
She said: “It was definitely difficult but change is always a wild mix of fear and excitement. When you spend that many years with something, it becomes a huge part of your life and identity. So making that announcement wasn’t something I took lightly. I had devoted an enormous amount of my creative energy to the project for more than half of my career.”
She explained that out of deep respect for the music, the fans, and herself, she chose to handle the announcement directly and thoughtfully as she moved into the next chapter of her career.
“I really love music and art, I can’t bear to treat it like just another day at the office. That’s why I put so much extra care and intention into every lyric, performance, recording, and visual that I do. I felt a real responsibility to handle the announcement with respect for the fans, for the music, and for myself. Just getting straight to the point felt like the only way to honor my past while also stepping confidently into what comes next,” Alissa said.
Regarding her exit, she shared that the overwhelming wave of support from fans and peers left her feeling grateful, energized, and confident about continuing to grow artistically beyond Arch Enemy.
Alissa told: “The fans’ and industry peers’ responses honestly blew me away. There was so much love, encouragement, and genuine support, more than ever before, and it felt incredibly energizing. What really stood out to me was how strongly people connected to the idea of my growth and evolution. It made me feel deeply grateful and also very motivated. It reinforced that the connection we’ve built is strong, and that it naturally carries forward. That is something I have always been focused on in my career: stepping outside of my comfort zone and outside of the box so that I can have artistic freedom without being typecast. That support gave me a lot of confidence and excitement about the future, because I really do believe that art and artists are meant to evolve.”
Alissa went on to discuss “The Room Where She Died,” the newly unveiled lead single from her forthcoming debut solo record. The song’s music was composed by Kamelot keyboardist Oliver Palotai, while Alissa handled the vocal performance, recording, and all lyrical work. She also developed the concept and script for the track’s music video, which was produced by the Serbian video company iCODE Team.
When asked why she feels this is the right moment to finally release her first solo album—after initially signing with Napalm Records as a solo act in 2016—Alissa responded: “The intention was always there, but I never wanted to rush something that personal or force it into the wrong moment. I knew this project needed the right headspace, focus, and creative freedom to really come alive. Now feels right because there’s real momentum. I have clarity, excitement, and the space to fully commit to it, and everything is aligning creatively. I know what I want to express, I know how I want it to sound and feel, and I’m genuinely energized by the process. This album feels like a natural evolution, something I’ve been building toward for a long time, and that makes this moment feel both exciting and right.”
White-Gluz also shared that she has been collaborating on new material with “two amazingly talented guitarists, Alyssa Day and Dani Sophia.”
“So far the music we are making together is exactly what I have always wanted,” she explained. “I feel like they both have such unique playing styles that complement each other to make our collaborative work super heavy, energetic, catchy and evocative at the same time. I really couldn’t be happier and more honored to be working alongside such talented and inspiring musicians. Fans will not have to wait long at all to hear and see what we have been up to,” Alissa concluded.
When Alissa revealed her exit from Arch Enemy, she wrote: “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.”
White-Gluz, previously the frontwoman of Canadian extreme metal outfit The Agonist, became a member of Arch Enemy in 2014, stepping in after Angela Gossow. Gossow, who had joined the band in 2000 and debuted on the acclaimed album Wages Of Sin (2001), moved away from her role as vocalist to concentrate on management duties, with Alissa taking over lead vocals.
During her tenure, Arch Enemy issued four studio albums featuring White-Gluz: War Eternal (2014), Will To Power (2017), Deceivers (2022) and Blood Dynasty (2025).
