Benedictum vocalist Veronica "The V" Freeman recently interviewed guitarist Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore) for Rockin' Metal Revival. The interview took place before Loomis got the call to replace Nick Cordle in Arch Enemy:

As part of Toontrack’s annual Metal Month, Jam Track Central and Toontrack give you the Jeff Loomis Challenge:

"Download the audio track for Jeff Loomis’ playthrough here with all lead parts muted. Then, record your own rendition of Jeff’s parts and upload your own video to YouTube, share it on Facebook/Twitter and hashtag it #JeffLoomisChallenge. We’ll then look up your entry and add it to a Toontrack/Jam Track Central playlist. If you don’t have a Facebook account, feel free to email your YouTube link to: jeffloomischallenge@toontrack.com.

This is not a competition, it’s a friendly gathering of guitarists doing what they do best: play guitar. Do what you love, love what you do, be inspired by the original, then do your own thing!"

All guitars for this playthrough were recorded direct in (DI) without amplification. All guitars are Jeff Loomis' custom tones from the Metal Guitar Gods 2 EZmix Pack for EZmix 2. All drums are from the Made of Metal EZX for EZdrummer 2.

Metal icons Arch Enemy are proud to announce that guitar legend Jeff Loomis (ex-Nevermore) will be joining their ranks for their upcoming European tour, which kicks off November 26th, as well as all future tours in 2015.

Jeff Loomis states: ”I'm very excited to be playing with Arch Enemy. Michael Amott and I have stayed in contact over the years since we toured together when I was playing in Nevermore. Not only do I admire his guitar playing and songwriting, but I also consider him a close friend. To be able to share the stage with Michael, Sharlee, Daniel and Alissa is something I'm really looking forward to. 2015 is going to be a great year... See you all on tour!”

After a great year of intensive touring in support of their album, War Eternal, Arch Enemy are parting ways with guitarist Nick Cordle who states: "With War Eternal I believe we wrote an album together which will stand the test of time, and I wish them well for the future."

US fans will be able to catch a special reunion as Christopher Amott (the brother of Arch Enemy founder/bandleader Michael Amott) has joined the band for the remainder of their American headlining tour.

Michael Amott (guitars) comments: ”We all wish Nick the very best in his new endeavors and we are sure that you will hear much more from him. We're also super grateful to my brother Christopher for stepping in to finish the current American tour!”

”The prospect of working with Jeff Loomis moving forward is truly awesome! Jeff Loomis is one of the best guitar players in the metal world in my opinion, as well as being a long time friend. I look forward to tearing it up on stages around the world together as we continue on the War Eternal' touring cycle throughout all next year and beyond!"

Go to this location for Arch Enemy's complete 2014 tour schedule.

Arch Enemy have launched a new live video for "As The Pages Burn", taken from their Masters of Rock 2014 festival performance.