Amon Amarth - Deceiver Of The Gods Album Review

I realize that I have been rather neglectful in writing reviews of the new albums that have been acquired over the last several months, but I suppose late is better than never. 

Track Listing:
1. Deceiver Of The Gods
2. As Loke Falls
3. Father Of The Wolf
4. Shape Shifter
5. Under Siege
6. Blood Eagle
7. We Shall Destroy
8. Hel
9. Coming Of The Tide
10. Warriors Of The North

The entire album is based around the Norse god, Loki, often considered as a trickster and trouble maker. The sheer complexity of the the figure of Loki provides much lyrical material to center a solid album around, which Amon Amarth have managed to do yet again in ‘Deceiver Of The Gods’. The band remains loyal to their sound, providing an album which surely satisfies most fans. 

The title track starts softly, segueing into the bombastic, death metal flavored sound that we have come to expect from Amon Amarth. ‘Father Of The Wolf’ will surely become a live favorite, driven by a chorus that invites screaming along with. It brings to mind the way that ‘The Pursuit of Vikings’ (from the ‘Fate of Norns’ album) has become quite a crowd pleaser. ‘Blood Eagle’ stands out as being a force of sheer brutality, both lyrically and musically. (At least to this untrained ear). ‘Hel’ proves to be the polarizing track on the album, venturing into slightly unfamiliar territory with the addition of guest vocals by ex-Candlemass vocalist Messiah Marcolin. 

Many of the songs have a lighter sound in comparison with early Amon Amarth material, but this should come as no surprise to listeners. The band has become more melodic in the last few albums, continuing this trend with ‘Deceiver Of The Gods’. While this can sometimes be looked upon with disfavor, this is not the case with Amon Amarth. They have found a way to grow while still remaining clearly true to their death metal roots. 

Forging Mjölnir Documentary:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

‘Father Of The Wolf’ Video Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNj9zU_2onw


It also seems inadvertently fitting to post this review in light of the announcement of Amon Amarth's vocalist, Johan Hegg, playing a role in an upcoming film about vikings. 
http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/amon-amarth-frontman-to-play-viking-warrior-in-northmen-a-viking-saga/