Swedish melodic death metal icons Amon Amarth have already conquered the world and the highly anticipated new album “The Allfather Awakens” reconfirms their massive status beginning a new mythological voyage through gelid Nordic landscapes.
“Gjallarhorn” immediately shows the band’s signature epic style delivering a colossal groovy structure and highlighting the crispy guitar sound as well as a familiar Nordic flair to mark the beginning of an adventurous journey.
In the heroic battlefield of “Eight Legs of Thunder” the raging riffage leads the way to a tempestuous rhythmic march culminating with the baroque flair of the acrobatic guitar solo.
Under a darkened shroud “Kvasir’s Blood” highlights the primal energy and the consequent ominous vibes of the monumental combo of storming guitar progressions and savage growls while the solo naturally evokes an increasingly sorrowful mood.
“Upphaf” is a translated stanza from the prophetic poem ‘Völuspá’ filled with pure melancholia as the band switches to full acoustic and chooses a folkish ballad composition crafting an impeccable series of gentle arpeggios without sacrificing a courageous Viking essence aptly embodied by the harsh vocals.
The title track emerges triumphantly from the remote lands of the Vikings bringing an overdose of abrasive guitar driven grooves but reveals a friendly loud catchiness that generates cold melodic crescendos.
“Ascending Like an Eagle” reaches darker depths with the dominant gloomy tonalities of the charismatic guitar leads while the precise rhythmic section channels strong death metal roots with an aggressive approach enhanced by the crucial menacing presence of the imposing growls.
Amon Amarth’s musical legacy speaks for itself and the new fervent release “The Allfather Awakens” consistently maintains a powerful groovy formula that undoubtedly will please their loyal fans worldwide.