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AMON AMARTH
www.amonamarth.com
Originally formed back in 1988 under the moniker Scum, Amon Amarth assumed their present day name 4 years later, although it wasn't until 1996 when they released 'Once Sent From The Golden Hall', the band's debut studio album on Metal Blade, the label on which they still reside today. Twelve years on and we finally have the Swedes' much anticipated seventh full-length offering, 'Twilight Of The Thunder God', much hyped prior to its release in the form of studio video diaries and a series of comics published in metal's mainstream magazines throughout Europe. Invaluable extra publicity for a band whose popularity seems to be rapidly on the increase in the last 2-3 years, and noticeably so in the UK since their main stage appearance at Bloodstock's indoor festival in 2005. But, most importantly, do the songs on 'Twilight Of The Thunder God' live up to the hype? Fortunately, I can confidently say a resounding 'yes'. While there is little by way of progression since the band's previous album, 'With Oden On Our Side', Amon Amarth make a conquering return and deliver what they do so well - mid to up-tempo death metal infused with poignantly epic melodies that are apposite to convey the Viking iconography adhered to in both lyrical content and artwork (and one could also argue image, with their beard metal guises and gimmicky drinking horns). With a flawless production by Jens Bogren, the album also boasts guest appearances including the skilled cello playing of Apocalyptica on 'Live For The Kill' and a solo by Children of Bodom guitarist Roope Latvala on the title track. I predict that 'Twilight Of The Thunder God' will not only appease established fans of the band, but also attract a significant degree of interest from many who have yet to discover the music of Amon Amarth. With a forthcoming stint on the Unholy Alliance III tour supporting the mighty Slayer in large arena venues, it will be well-timed widespread exposure for the Swedes who look set to become even more popular. And it will be popularity that is well deserved for 'Twilight Of The Thunder God' is, in short, brilliant.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Metal Blade Records
Album
TWILIGHT OF THE THUNDER GOD
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Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
43:28
RELEASE DATE:
22nd Sept 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
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Sweden
"Amon Amarth make a conquering return and deliver what they do so well..."