Amon Amarth – Surtur Rising
Genres: Melodic Death Metal, Viking Metal
Label: Metal Blade Records
Amon Amarth’s eighth album doesn’t show too many changes with the band, keeping their signature sound pretty much the same, with perhaps more emphasis on more technicality in the drums. There isn’t much growth in songwriting either, but how do you grow from genius anyway?
AA meld gorgeous melodic guitars and bass that are heavy as the hammer of Thor at the same time, with a voice that is made from a mountain range, used in a singularly unique way that’s still melodic singing with a death growl. And it’s all to the tune of ancient Norse mythology!
Sonically, it’s all very Swedish, with some comparative elements to fellow countrymen Dark Tranquillity and At The Gates, with a slightly American polish on the quality of the production.
If this album doesn’t cement their reputation as one of top most important bands in death metal today, I don’t know what will. It’s damn near perfect. And also to illustrate just how much I actually like this album, I preordered it, the box set with the action figure. How many other bands have action figures with their albums?
9 out of 10.
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