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:
- Death In Fire
- For The Stabwounds In Our Backs
- Where Silent Gods Stand Guard
- Vs. The World
- Across The Rainbow Bridge
- Down The Slopes Of Death
- Thousand Years Of Opression
- Bloodshed
- ...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:
- An Ancient Sign Of Coming Storm
- Where Death Seems To Dwell
- The Fate Of Norns
- The Pursuit of Vikings
- Valkyries Ride
- The Beheading Of A King
- Arson
- 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:
- Valhall Awaits Me
- Runes To My Memory
- Asator
- Hermod’s Ride To Hel - Lokes Treachery
- Gods of War Arise
- With Oden On Our Side
- Cry Of The Black Birds
- Under The Northern Star
- Prediction of Warfare
Bonus Material:
- Where Silent Gods Stand Guard (Live)
- Death In Fire (Live)
- With Oden On Our Side (Demo)
- Hermod’s Ride to Hel - Lokes Treachery (Part One) (Demo)
- Once Sent From The Golden Hall (Sunlight Recording)
- 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.
