Guest Blogger: Jack H2

As tough as nails, Amon Amarth is one of my most cherished melodic death metal bands. This band was formed in 1992 and has still been producing solid music for the past 20 years. Since Amon Amarth is a death metal band its music tends to evoke high energy and a slight aggression in the listener. The album Surtur Rising is Amon Amarth’s latest and it introduces some of the strongest emotion to their music. Surtur Rising sets the listener into the time frame of Norse Mythology in the 13th Century and makes the listener feel like he or she is a Viking battling in the events of Ragnarok. The song “Pursuit of Vikings” is about Vikings embarking on a journey through the seas leaving their family’s and homes behind for riches in the east. This song makes the viewer feel like marching with all their strength into war and just crushing the enemy with no remorse. All 7 of their albums including the highly acclaimed album Twilight of the Thunder God seduce the listener into a feeling of a relentless true Viking. The song “The Last Stand of Frej” has particularly memorable lyrics because it talks about the never-ending strength, spirit, and dignity a Viking bestows on himself. Critics like Chris McDonald from Metalreview.com agree with me that Amon Amarth is a great band for delivering consistent and truly excellent material. The furious sound of Amon Amarth is often enjoyed by people who listen to the band Arch Enemy which is deeply melodic and powerful music. Overall, I definitely say Amon Amarth is worth your time and money if you’re into any hard rock or metal because it captures some of the best essence of those genres. If you aren’t into either of those though, Amon Amarth must be too loud, high-spirited, and aggressive for you.