Part IV - The Most Recent

A commonality exists through all Amon Amarth releases in that the lyrics always weave stories of battle, vikings and Norse mythology. Of course, these stories are backed by catchy and heavy riffs, well suited to the subject matter. There is rarely an Amon Amarth song that the metal lover can’t bang his or her head to, and the latest two released are no exception. 

Twilight Of The Thunder God (2008)

Track Listing:

1. Twilight Of The Thunder God
2. Free Will Sacrifice
3. Guardians Of Asgaard
4. Where Is Your God
5. Varyags Of Miklagaard
6. Tattered Banners And Bloody Flags
7. No Fear For The Setting Sun
8. The Hero
9. Live For The Kill
10. Embrace Of The Endless Ocean

Twilight Of The Thunder God is probably Amon Amarth’s most accessible release for those who aren’t (yet) fans of the band or of metal in general. The opening track is undeniably catchy, providing the lead for an album that isn’t quite as heavy as previous releases from the band. Have no fear, it’s still definitely heavy enough for the Amon Amarth fan, but the entire album is a little bit easier to listen to than Once Sent From The Golden Hall  or even than with Oden On Our Side. (For the casual metal fan, anyways. It’s easy to argue that there is plenty of metal out there that is not ‘easy’ to listen to. Old black metal anyone?) There are a few notable guest appearances from other well-know musicians on this one. Roope Latvala (Children of Bodom, Stone) provides a solo on the title track while Finnish cello metal masterminds Apocalyptica are featured on ‘Live For The Kill’. Lars Göran Petrov, vocalist of Swedish death pioneers Entombed, growls some of the vocals on ‘Guardians of Asgaard, creating a fitting throw back to Amon Amarth’s death metal roots and influences. This album was also somewhat of a breakthrough for the band into the  more mainstream music charts. It was rated as the sixth best album of 2008 by Metal Hammer magazine’s critics, solidifying the band as a forerunner of the genre. Whether you agree with these ratings as being proof of anything other than more widespread recognition, this is without a doubt a pretty solid metal album. 

My picks: Guardians of Asgaard, Varyags of Miklagaard, Tattered Banners And Bloody Flags, The Hero

Surtur Rising (2011)

Track Listing:

1. War Of The Gods
2. Töck’s Taunt - Loke’s Treachery Part II
3. Destroyer Of The Universe
4. Slaves Of Fear
5. Live Without Regrets
6. The Last Stand Of Frej
7. For Victory Or Death
8. Wrath Of The Norsemen
9. A Beast Am I
10. Doom Over Dead Man

When I acquired this album, it was on constant rotation for months. It’s a triumphant return to being heavier than Twilight Of The Thunder God while still retaining the melodic qualities of the previous release. The cover artwork is the best yet, depicting the mythical giant, Surtr who, during the events of Ragnarök, creates the flames that are to destroy the earth. Numerous different version of this albums were released, offering some excellent bonus material. The tour for Surtur Rising solidified Amon Amarth as being my favorite band to see live. Playing the album in it’s entirety and a second set of other material proved to be quite a treat, as bands don’t seem to do this type of thing very often outside of special events or festivals in Europe. Surtur Rising was also quite well received by critics, proving that Amon Amarth can no longer really be considered an underground band and that they’ve broken solidly into the more mainstream realms of metal. Whether you think that becoming more well known is a good thing or a bad thing, this is another solid release. 

My picks: Destroyer Of The Universe, Slaves Of Fear, Wrath Of The Norsemen

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With everything being said about the Amon Amarth releases to date, I cannot wait until the album they’re currently working on is released. With a date to be determined sometime later this year, the anticipation is definitely high, both in metal publications and with me. While I hope it won’t stray from it’s roots, I have high hopes and expectations and have my fingers crossed for another tour in the near future. 

Images borrowed from Wikipedia.

Part III - The Middle Years

The next few albums serve as a bit of a transition from early Amon Amarth to the recent Amon Amarth sound. I suppose it’s not that big of a surprise, given the timeline. Also, Amon Amarth always sounds like Amon Amarth. They haven’t drastically changed their sound, or added much in the way of ‘experimental’ elements that deviate from their typical sound. I like that you can pick up an album, and it’s always going to sound like Amon Amarth. 

Versus The World (2002)

Track Listing:

1. Death In Fire
2. For The Stabwounds In Our Backs
3. Where Silent Gods Stand Guard
4. Vs. The World
5. Across The Rainbow Bridge
6. Down The Slopes Of Death
7. Thousand Years Of Opression
8. Bloodshed
9. ...And Soon The World Will Cease To Be

‘Death In Fire’ seems to be a crowd favorite when played live, and if you give it a listen, it’s easy to see why. How can one resist shouting out “Death In Fire!” in time with Johan Hegg?  The tale of revenge painted in ‘For the Stabwounds In Our Backs’ is compelling if you are able to catch the references contained in the lyrics. ‘Across The Rainbow Bridge’ is actually somewhat depressing, if you follow the lamenting of the main character, who wishes for an honorable death in battle. Beyond catchy, heavy riffs, the lyrics deal with themes universal to humans, set in an mythological and viking framework.

My picks: Down The Slopes of Death, Death In Fire, Across The Rainbow Bridge

Fate Of Norns (2004)

Track Listing:

1. An Ancient Sign Of Coming Storm
2. Where Death Seems To Dwell
3. The Fate Of Norns
4. The Pursuit of Vikings
5. Valkyries Ride
6. The Beheading Of A King
7. Arson
8. Once Sealed In Blood

‘Where Death Seems To Dwell’ is a chilling song, starting at a somewhat slower tempo introduced by the howling wind and picking up towards the end of the song. ‘The Pursuit of Vikings’ contains what is likely the most immediately recognizable opening riff and chorus to any Amon Amarth song. The chorus in particular is excellent to shout along with at live shows. I like ‘Valkyries Ride’ live, but it just doesn’t hold the same excitement  while listening to the album, which is honestly the only complaint I can think of regarding this release. 

My picks: The Pursuit of Vikings, The Fate Of Norns, The Beheading Of A King

With Oden On Our Side (2006)

Track Listing:

1. Valhall Awaits Me
2. Runes To My Memory
3. Asator
4. Hermod’s Ride To Hel - Lokes Treachery
5. Gods of War Arise
6. With Oden On Our Side
7. Cry Of The Black Birds
8. Under The Northern Star
9. Prediction of Warfare

Bonus Material:

1. Where Silent Gods Stand Guard (Live)
2. Death In Fire (Live)
3. With Oden On Our Side (Demo)
4. Hermod’s Ride to Hel - Lokes Treachery (Part One) (Demo)
5. Once Sent From The Golden Hall (Sunlight Recording)
6. Return of the Gods (Sunlight Recording)

I have issues even picking my favorites from With Oden On Our Side. There are too many great songs on this album to have an easy time picking the best. It’s certainly a return to heavier roots when compared with Fate of Norns.  ‘Runes to My Memory’ is an epic song of the death of a viking warrior and one of my favorite Amon Amarth tracks of all time. Tales of conquering abound in ‘Gods Of War Arise’, ‘With Oden On Our Side’, ‘Cry Of The Blackbirds’, and ‘Prediction Of Warfare’. It’s fitting, as Amon Amarth fans (myself included) never seem to tire of this theme. 

My picks: Valhall Awaits Me, Runes To My Memory, Cry Of The Blackbirds, Under The Northern Star

Images borrowed from Wikipedia. 

Enslaved with Pallbearer, Royal Thunder and Ancient VVisdom Review

The Pawnshop

February 14th, 2013

Ears still ringing, despite wearing earplugs, it’s time to lay down a review of last night’s show at The Pawnshop. Never having listened to any of the opening bands, they proved to be an interesting and somewhat unexpected mix. 

Ancient VVisdom was quite enjoyable, providing a dark, pounding, acoustic flair for the evening. Their primal sound was aided by a frontman who was reminiscent, at times, of Jim Morrison. While there were not too many people in the venue at this point, it seems as though this band made a few new fans. 

Royal Thunder were definitely something different to my ear. Their own small fan base turned up, seeming slightly out of place in the crowd with those who were obviously there for Enslaved. With a vocalist who reminded me a little of Janis Joplin, Royal Thunder was fairly well received by the now more crowded venue. 

Pallbearer were also well received by the crowd, making it obvious that there were more than a few doom fans looking to get their fix in attendance. The slow, sludgy, characteristic sound of doom metal provided some contrast for what was to come next. 

The venue was packed and there was a definite feeling of anticipation in the air when Enslaved took the stage, greeted by cheers from the gathered crowd. They opened with the title track from their latest release, RIITIIR, setting the tone for a night of mostly newer material. The amount of energy Enslaved brought could barely be contained to the stage and frontman Grutle Kjellson provided plenty of interaction with fans in the front rows. The moshing and headbanging continued in earnest as the set progressed with ‘Roots of the Mountain’ emerging as one of the favorites of the night. The slower parts of some of the songs provided a showcase for the musicianship found between the members of this progressive black metal band and a small respite in the frantic energy from the crowd. After a drum solo, the encore concluded the show with ‘Fenris’ and ‘Isa’.Strangely enough, many people seemed to disperse before the encore and missed two great songs. Most of the band members, especially guitarist Ivar Bjørnson, took time to shake hands and thank members of the audience, although it was the audience who owed thanks for a fantastic show. After two hours of high octane metal, the vast majority of the crowd trickled out into the night completely satisfied. 

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As a personal side note:

After witnessing Enslaved on Barge to Hell in December, I was unsure that the experience could translate so well into a much smaller venue. I mean, watching them live on the pool deck, playing a set of mostly older material with a thunderstorm lighting up the night sky in the background? It doesn’t get much more epic than that. Also, I found it a bit interesting that they opened with ‘Isa’ on Barge, and concluded the other night with it. That being said, I was impressed and found that I really enjoyed the small-venue, well executed set. 

'Blodsvept'

Finntroll is easily one of my favorites.

If you haven't heard the title song off their upcoming album, check it out:

http://www.metal-hammer.de/video-audio/premieren/article374024.ece


I love it, and now am anticipating the new album even more. It sounds exactly like Finntroll, which is not a bad thing.

Part II - The Early Albums

In anticipation of an upcoming Amon Amarth release, I’ve decided to comment on the previous albums. I don’t own Sorrow Throughout the Nine Worlds, so I cannot offer much comment on it other than the cover art was deemed controversial, causing journalists to question whether the band had racist motives. (Sometimes I’m forced to wonder whether journalists are just seeking a sensational story as metal has always seemed to offer some kind of controversy to the general public). After giving it a listen on Youtube, I would love to get my hands on a copy of The Arrival of the Fimbul Winter, released in 1994, but I imagine this might be an impossible task as it was limited to a thousand copies. Anyways, onto the albums that I actually own:

Once Sent From The Golden Hall  (1998)

Track Listing:

1. Ride For Vengeance
2. The Dragons’ Flight Across The Waves
3. Without Fear
4. Victorious March
5. Friends Of The Suncross
6. Abandoned
7. Amon Amarth
8. Once Sent From The Golden Hall
9. Siegreicher Marsch (Reissue Bonus Track)

Having spent some time recently with this album on loop, I was definitely impressed with it as a full-length debut. It’s raw in comparison with the most recent stuff, but still listenable. I notice quite a bit of influence from old death metal on this one, which I suppose isn’t too surprising when you consider that Amon Amarth’s roots are basically in death metal. I hadn’t paid as much attention to this album as I probably should have previously, but it’s quite good. Most of the lyrics tell a compelling and brutal narrative about battle. What more can you want?

My picks from this album: Ride For Vengeance, Without Fear, Amon Amarth

The Avenger  (1999)

Track Listing:

1. Bleed For Ancient Gods
2. The Last With Pagan Blood
3. Masters Of War
4. North Sea Storm
5. Avenger
6. God, His Son And Holy Whore
7. Metalwrath
8. Legend Of A Banished Man

Being an earlier album, the death metal influence is more clear on this one than on later albums. There are definitely a few lesser-known gems to be found on The Avenger. To me, the songs almost flow together without obviously flowing together. This was likely the first death-metal influenced album that I owned and I think I enjoy it even more today than I did when I first acquired it. Again, I thoroughly enjoy most of the lyrics; brutal, raw and aggressive blends perfectly together. 

My picks from this album: The Last With Pagan Blood, Legend Of A Banished Man

The Crusher (2001)

Track Listing:

1. Bastards Of A Lying Breed
2. Master Of War
3. The Sound Of Eight Hooves
4. Risen From The Sea 2000
5. As Long As The Raven Flies
6. A Fury Divine
7. Annihilation Of A Hammerfest
8. The Fall Through Ginnungagap
9. Releasing Surtur’s Fire
10. Eyes of Horror (Possessed Cover)

The Crusher seems to be my least-listened to album. Not because it’s bad, but because it’s the one I’m least familiar with. The vocals are still quite raw (and therefore not as clear to those uninitiated into the world of death metal) on this release. Having recently seen Possessed live, I quite enjoy Eyes of Horror as well. 

My picks from this album: Bastards Of A Lying Breed, The Sound Of Eight Hooves.

Images borrowed from Wikipedia.

Metalwrath: An Accidental Introduction to Amon Amarth

(Part I)

Amon Amarth is easily one of my favorite bands. They always deliver, both in the studio and live. My first real experience with Amon Amarth was a bit of an accident, as I was just beginning to discover the heavier side of metal at that point in time. It’s a little bit of a story, but it goes something like this:

A well-known, smaller chain of CD/DVD/electronics stores was in the process of going out of business. Part of this process included consolidating much of their remaining stock from already closed stores into my local store, including (as I remember it) a substantial amount of metal albums. 

I wish I would have realized the plethora of awesomeness laid before me at the time, as the majority of CDs were less than five dollars, including imports. Now, it’s not that unusual to find CDs priced from five to ten dollars, but at that time, it seemed to be an occasion to celebrate. Although lamenting on that, I don’t think celebration is really in order when a CD store goes out of business. What seems like years ago, several of the bands that I now listen to on a regular basis didn’t have much for North American distribution deals, making albums ridiculously expensive and often much more difficult to get ahold of than they are in the present day.

Anyways, back to the story. I somewhat accidently grabbed a copy of The Avenger. Maybe it was the cover art that got me, or maybe it was the song titles, or maybe something in the back of my mind clicked and I’d remembered that somewhere I’d heard that Amon Amarth was something I might like. Regardless of why I grabbed it, it turned out to be a rather fortunate accident. I listened to the album and knew that I needed to find out more. 

As a bit of background for all of you who are thinking “Why didn’t you just check things out on the internet, like every other kid was doing at the time?”:  Being a completely broke student and living somewhere with only dial-up internet access isn’t exactly conducive to discovering new music. I didn’t have a single friend who really into the heavier side of metal either, so no one was able to offer any suggestions. 

Between becoming busy with education, working more hours than I probably should have and trying to maintain some form of a social life through the resulting exhaustion, the quest to discover more about Amon Amarth went on the backburner. 

That is, until Amon Amarth decided to tour with Ensiferum. This is still one of my favorite shows that I’ve attended. I remember that atmosphere of that concert being amazing, and I even chatted with Johan Hegg for some time outside the venue, as I was the only person there beyond bands and crew members. Now, you might be questioning who in their right mind shows up hours early to a small venue, but my post secondary schedule allowed for it and I wasn’t about to drive an hour home and then an hour back into the city later that same day. Especially on my own and especially with the prospect of fighting rush hour downtown. Either way, that concert helped to cement my love for metal and reaffirmed that I had to build a more extensive Amon Amarth discography. After all, you can’t really call one album much of a discography now, can you? 

Anyways, that’s just a bit of an introduction for the next few pieces that I plan on writing. Until the next one...