It’s a cliché to say that a band / song has kept you company during all phases of your life, but it wouldn’t be a cliché if it weren’t such a frequent and global sentiment. Amon Amarth is one of those bands for me; no matter what, their music is able to embed itself into my psyche and relate itself to whatever mindset I’m in. When I got the newest release from the Swedish ensemble, I lay down in the dark with the album blasting and let its warmth of production, melody and emotion wash over me. It landed me in a bizarre mental state, and though I can’t explain it further, sometimes I need to attach a personal vignette to a review.

That said, I’ll do my job. Here’s a review.

Amon Amarth plays Death Metal, complete with all the crushing power of their peers, and are also known for their strength of melodic sensability and Viking themes. Thankfully their lyrics are not devoid of meaning or option of personal interpretation; many of the lyrics are apparently derivative of personal stories and translated into themes pertaining to their Viking ancestry.

Vocally “With Oden on our Side” is very heavy, an adjective also applicable to the music. The trademark Amon Amarth melodies are always present but they have experimented a bit rhythmically and tempo-wise, making for a more diverse album than their last effort, “Fate of Norns” (2005, Metal Blade). Overall it just feels like they’ve taken their time with letting the pieces build—nothing sounds rushed; the pummeling parts or measured, slower bits are all as they should be. Though of course, some tracks were less interesting than others, “With Oden on our Side” sounds like it experienced a very organic process.

Although “With Oden on our Side” often feels heavier than its predecessor, it also contains more atmosphere. Surely I’ll get hate mail for saying this, but if the band had employed keyboards on this record, it would have made sense in terms of the brooding feeling consistent throughout (I’m not suggesting Amon Amarth hire a keyboard player! Although… if they did, I’d hope they’d consider me, ha ha). Anyway, there is a lot of attention to detail, as always, what with intertwining guitar leads, harmonies and meaningful drum lines. Though in areas they have moved away from the constant tremelo picking and the percussive tuning / production that had made them so distinguished, the Amon Amarth feeling is unmistakable.

“Valhall Awaits me” opens the record—and what an opener. Surely this tune is going to emerge as another Amon Amarth classic; although for the first 3 seconds I was terrified that they had written an accessible monstrosity, I was proven wrong. Next up is “Runes to my Memory,” a speed-picking fury of downtuned Metallic bliss, and was one we’ve all heard as one of two pre-released tracks—fuck, another moving and memorable piece. Other favourites include the majestically aggressive and catchy “Asator,” “God of War Arise” and “Cry of the Blackbirds,” the other have of the duo Metal Blade was promoting pre-release. The title track and the entrancing mid-pacer “Hermod’s Ride to Hell – Loke’s Treachery Part 1” also deserve mention.

With outstanding production (thanks to Jens Borgen) and a more inspired feeling than on their previous album, “With Oden on our Side” is sure to whet your appetite for melodic, Viking-infused Death Metal. * Clare B. *

Amon Amarth have surprised me. You see, Amon Amarth have become a staple band in my life, particularly when I work out, and I have come to expect certain things from them. Among all that I expect, is a certain production sound. Amon Amarth albums have always had a very bombastic production, particularly in the rhythm department. On first listen, this album's production seems like a step back…far back. However, after a few listens, Amon Amarth's "The Fate Of The Norns" becomes more clear, at least in the sense that one knows what it is trying to achieve.

What is it trying to achieve? I believe Amon Amarth have potentially gained some criticism for producing albums with such clarity, and have therefore (according to some fans) strayed from their Black Metal/Melodic Death roots. As a result, I think the band decided to find a new sound (in terms of production) while trying to attain the style of music they have forged thus far. In this respect the band has succeeded! "The Fate Of The Norns" is a raw, well written album and should serve the band very well. The album is a little slower than what we're used to from Amon Amarth, but ultimately is no less crushing. There are some truly pounding moments here…fine for pounding the one you love…and yes I am condoning physical abuse to the one's you love. Why? Because I'm German!!!

The album opens with "An Ancient Sign Of Coming Storm," which is slow and methodical yet brutal. The guitars will immediately remind you of Amon Amarth's classic sound, yet the production is not as loud and bombastic. Instead we have a sound that reminds me of Immortal's "At The Heart Of Winter," but slightly clearer. Nonetheless, the drum work on this track is solid, as Fredrik Andersson impresses greatly. In fact, of all his patterns on all of his albums, I enjoy his drumming on this album the most. Why? It is slightly more simplistic and he gets a chance to provide a more groove-based drumming approach. I can almost head bang to his drums alone! Good work!

"Where Death Seems To Dwell" is solid. I love the opening which really sets the mood and shows a more progressive side of the band. The guitar work is fantastic as well, providing Amon Amarth's traditional melancholy riffs. Both guitarists should be commended for being able to continually write such solid riffs album after album! "Pursuit Of Vikings" caught me off guard. Is it just me or does the opening sound just like Megadeth's "Crush 'Em"…I mean almost exactly! I somehow doubt the band did this intentionally!

"The Ride Of The Valkyries" is brutal and perhaps my favorite track on the disc. Brutal drum work throughout and a very different guitar sound…again, reminding me of Immortal. And how is Johann Hegg's singing? He sounds good but not as aggressive as normal. Instead his vocals are more melodic and less in-your-face. Granted, this is much in due to production, but I thought I should mention it anyhow. Why? I'm German; I'll mention what I want! Other solid tracks here are "Beheading Of A King," which has a nice drum intro and interesting rhythm work. The band is definitely experimenting on this album far more than ever before…they've done well! "Once Sealed In Blood" hearkens back to their earlier albums with rolling double bass and a more straight forward approach.

This album is good; there are no real flaws. I think the production will surprise some, and some may find the album not brutal enough. However, I think the band has done well finding a more raw and primal sound. While not as aggressive overall as their previous albums, this is a worthy album of the Amon Amarth name, and the songwriting is solid. Good album, not their best, but worth the purchase. * Daniel Dees *

Amon Amarth have found great acceptance within me, as their music and lyrics have habitually connected to my inner thoughts and conceptions. Their music strikes a chord within me, and as a result, their music can often be heard throughout my household. Hailing from Sweden, the band has found their niche, with melodic Death Metal that hearkens back to Viking stories and times of mythological importance. There is a great sense of pride in their epic music, tunes to hold your head up high to. I definitely can feel the pride and nobility of the Viking blood that flows, and Amon Amarth's music is the soundtrack.

Amon Amarth's newest offering, entitled "Versus The World" sounds indeed incredible, and I dare say it is their best effort. This is not drastically different from their previous material, apart from a few experimental tracks, and contains the epic riffing and melody lines they're famous for. Furthermore, despite having moved to an entirely new production studio, their wall of sound has remained and is exhibited on every track. The album opens with the swift "Death In Fire", which features excellent tight drumming and fine melodious riffing that intertwines throughout the song. The song's lyrical nature is about Ragnarok, the end of the world, where everything shall be consumed by fire. I find this particular track to be extremely melodic, and the chorus to be among the catchiest in Death Metal. The drumming is also unique, quite tribal, and adds to the melody instead of merely being the backbone for it. Up next is "For The Stabwounds In Our Backs", which again follows similar lyrical intentions, but is a longer and more varied track. The track begins in a quieter fashion than Amon Amarth is used to, with excellent atmosphere, and a church bell ringing in the background. The piece, however, is as heavy as any other track, featuring once again guitarists Olli Mikkonen and Johan Soderberg's strong riffing, and Hegg's pummeling voice.

I mentioned before that "Versus The World" is reminiscent, albeit more mature, than Amon Amarth's previous work. However, there is a track titled "Where Silent Gods Stand" which defies conventional labels, and acts as the band's most artistic endeavor. The song has a slow melancholy plod and interweaves delicate guitar work, especially during the chorus, to create the feeling of dread. It works quite well, and coupled with dark lyrics of a man gone over the edge, it's an excellent score. Yet for those who are traditionalists, the title track of this album will not disappoint. It is an ode to the band itself, as the lyrics decree the passion the band has for its music, and the battles they have fought to have their music accepted. "Across The Rainbow Bridge"…This particular piece sounds very different from Amon Amarth's usual fare, containing a slower beat with an almost "ballad" like quality. It is apparent here that the band is comfortable in displaying a more emotional side, not only in terms of lyrics, as most of their lyrics are emotional, but in terms of musicality as well. The song's guitar lines are intriguing, giving a sense of urgency, but not in a frantic way. From what I can gather, it seems as though the character in the song wishes to die, but in a brave and noble fashion. Listen to the bass lines at the 3:00 mark. Nice touch!

Another strong piece on "Versus The World" is "Down The Slopes Of Death", which is my second favorite track on the album. It pummels the listener with its double bass attack, and thick guitar chords. There is nothing exceptionally technical in the guitar work of Amon Amarth, but they rely on strong melodic lines that are epic and proud. The main riff in this song is no exception. The song also marks, in my opinion, the best drumming performance of the album. Other strong cuts include "Thousand Years Of Oppression", with some excellent atmospheric singing, and a melancholy feel that overwhelms the entire song. I really enjoy how Amon Amarth attempt, within such a genre, to cross such a wide range of human emotions. I found this particular piece to be extremely touching, and a very vivid portrait of the character's thoughts.

The strongest cut on the album, in my opinion, comes in the form of the song "And Soon The World Will Cease To Be". The piece is absolutely brilliant, telling of the days of Ragnarok, the end of the world according to Norse Myth. The song is heavy, but retains those emotional elements Amon Amarth does so well. I was listening to this song whilst walking through a blizzard of snow, and it couldn't have been more fitting. The song creates excellent imagery of a world coming to an end, and the lyrics are fitting. The melancholy riff at 2:48 nearly brought me to tears. I could almost see the world in flames… For anyone interested in Viking Death Metal, "Versus The World" is a must have. My only complaint about the album was the length, which seemed short. Nonetheless, I cannot think of any other Viking band who is capable of writing such music whilst crossing an immense range of emotions so perfectly. There are moments here of pride, sadness, and fear. * Daniel Dees *

Amon Amarth can be partly credited for opening the Doors of Death (Metal) to me. As soon as I heard these guys, I felt an immediate connection to the music and subject matter, making me feel at home within their music. The combination of melodic and rhythmically fascinating music, awesome lyrics and Johann Hegg’s strong but desperate-sounding vocals always get to me. Emotions are hard to describe, but in this case are even more strange ––  I  often feel in tune with some distant time; despite not sharing their ancestral background, the Viking topics somehow strike a chord with me. One I didn't know existed…  

There are amazing times of clarity—from the guitars (Johan Söderberg, Olavi Mikkonen); as Amon Amarth fall into the ‘Melodic Death’ category, evidently there is a stronger emphasis on tunefulness rather than incoherent brutality. Though simple, the melodies carried by the guitars are really effective, and make for an easily recognizable element of the band. That unique Amon Amarth sound also contains a lot of speed picking through the melancholy melodies, rather than only riff-oriented structures. Johan Hegg's distinctive and powerful growls are… well, just that. Distinctive and powerful growls. Although he may not have the variety of tone that other growlers may boast, his voice is able to hold audiences captive. The drumming (Fredrik Andersson) is awesome; sure it’s a fast double-based fury, but he’s also tasteful and isn’t just the rhythm section, but a crucial element the make-up of their approach.  

  "The Crusher" is a great album overall; though it may not stand out as my favourite record from these Swedes, they don’t have no real faults within themselves, it's just a personal preference. “The Crusher,” while I love listening to it, has always been an album that I could not fully devote my attention to.

"Bastards of a Lying Breed" opens up the album…the title pretty much says it all! It's a great song, followed by "Masters of War." This song has great lyrics and a good chorus, but the rest of it I could take or leave. "The Sound of Eight Hooves" is one of the tracks which follows a story-and a well-told, chilling one at that. "As Long as the Raven Flies" is probably my favorite, along with "A Fury Divine" and " The Fall Through Ginnungagap." Really, all the songs are damned impressive in their own way… All in all, a great and really heavy release. *Clare B.*

This was my first Amon Amarth album I ever purchased and I suppose it was through this purchase that I became a fan of theirs. Only recently, however, have I finally been able to witness Amon Amarth live on stage, and I assure you they do not disappoint. Their sound is as powerful live as it is on their albums, and the men themselves are very laid back and down to earth. Nonetheless, "The Avenger" is a good album that begins in a strong fashion, but in my opinion looses its impact towards the end, thus my less than perfect rating. Furthermore, the album itself only contains seven songs which is rather blasphemous considering the price you'll pay. However, there are a few songs on this album that have become staple live cuts for the band, and for anyone who wants to see what the band was doing before their opus "Versus The World", this album is a good place to start.

"Bleed For Ancient Gods" is a strong flowing track and contains one of the best riffs ever, evident at the 0:51 mark. The guitar work makes me feel as though I am sailing across the stormy ocean watching my Gods high above me as the wind and rain whip my face. Strong imagery on this track and one of the most memorable on this disc. I also love the drumming of Fredrik Andersson who has both the ability to astound the listener yet maintain a subtle drumming pattern when needed. As I mentioned before, the beginning of this album absolutely destroys and the following track "The Last With Pagan Blood" differs little. A nice epic riff from guitarists Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Soderberg is the most prominent sound you'll hear, backed by some steady double bass work and Johan Hegg's melodic gruffs. There is a great sense of pride in this song and it's perfect for the Viking enthusiast. I should comment on the production at this point, which is very loud and refined without losing a sense of rawness and power. I have always noticed on Amon Amarth albums that one needs not turn up the volume loud to hear the band, as the volume on the CD seems to be full blast by default. This, however, is to be expected as famed producer Peter Tagtgren is at the knobs, and he never disappoints...or at least not yet *Daniel shakes his fist menacingly.*

The powerful and noble Viking blood continues to flow into "North Sea Storm", which is a more mid paced fare, highlighted by a great chug at the 1:48 mark. Following are some interesting melodies, but they are difficult to hear because the guitar work hides in the background for a brief moment of time. Next is the title track which has some very melancholy and bitter lyrics, and a good lesson about revenge. The track opens with a sludgy riff and there's a prominent feeling of dread throughout. "The Avenger" is the most experimental track on the album too, with a storybook approach that works very effectively as it is well paced. Amon Amarth have the keen ability to be very emotional in their work and such a song is a perfect example. The 4:00 mark oozes with hatred and anger as Hegg does his best impression of a Viking pushed to the edge...*Aren't Vikings always on edge?*.

"God, His Son And Holy Whore" is the final piece worth mentioning and also the heaviest. The double bass runs on this song are remarkable! The chorus on this song is very empowering, containing the sentence "Turn the blade around put the oppressors down", a chant that I am sure was common during the Christian occupation of the Viking people. Very powerful track and like its predecessors ridden with emotion and attitude. The song also appears to be a crowd favourite live, as never before have I seen people whipped up into such a frenzy. However, it is at this point where the album begins to falter as the following scores do little to equate or better the level of music previously discussed. "Legend Of A Banished Man" is adequate and "Metal Wrath" is atrocious and feels like filler. You will probably end up skipping over these tracks, but ultimately the album should not be skipped over, as it is solid overall and a nice introduction to the band. *Daniel Dees*