It has been a devastating 24 hours for Arch Enemy guitarist and mastermind Michael Amott. Just hours after the band made headlines globally by announcing the departure of longtime vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, Amott revealed that he is mourning the loss of his father.
The Swedish musician took to social media earlier today, November 23, to share the heartbreaking news. Posting a vintage photograph of himself as a young child safe in his father’s arms, Amott offered a brief but poignant public tribute to the man who raised him.
“Rest in peace. Thanks for everything, Dad.”
The personal loss adds a somber layer to a day already marked by significant professional upheaval for Amott. Earlier this morning, Arch Enemy shocked the metal community by confirming that Alissa White-Gluz was exiting the group after twelve years of service. White-Gluz, who joined the fold in 2014 following the tenure of Angela Gossow, became a defining figure for the band’s modern era, contributing her vocals to four studio albums: War Eternal (2014), Will to Power (2017), Deceivers (2022), and this year’s Blood Dynasty (2025).
Following the band’s initial announcement, White-Gluz issued her own statement regarding the split, expressing gratitude to the fanbase she cultivated over the last decade.
“After 12 years in Arch Enemy, we have parted ways,” White-Gluz wrote in a post. “I am forever thankful to the thousands of amazing fans I have met along the way. Thank you, Beastlings!”
While the band’s future plans—hinted at with a “See you in 2026” sign-off—remain a topic of intense speculation, the immediate focus for fans has shifted to supporting Amott as he navigates this profound personal grief amidst a major career transition.
On behalf of all of us at Metal Stop, we extend our deepest condolences to Michael and his family during this difficult time.
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