I unabashedly love Amon Amarth and all of their ridiculousness. I guess some would call them a guilty pleasure, but I
don’t call it that. Saying they’re a “guilty pleasure” sort of undercuts the band, almost like they’re not any good and that I like them despite that. This band rules, they have perfected the Viking-inspired death metal deal, and they never have made an album I didn’t like.
OK, so yeah, some people who take the highfalutin path may snub their noses at the band. I, too, enjoy “true” death metal, the kind that’s ugly, gritty, painful. But there’s a place for the melodic stuff, and when it’s done well, it can be riveting. Amon Amarth never fail at that. The other complaint most register is all of their records sound the same. They do. Sort of. Their earlier records were far more raw (probably a combination of budgetary constraints and lack of experience), but as time went on they got more and more slick and well produced. Of course, for what this band does, that higher production actually makes the record sound better because you get to experience every nuance. Again, maybe a matter of taste, but whatever. My tastes tend to be far more widespread. Wow, this all sounds like an apology. It isn’t. I see it more as an explanation.
Anyway, this all takes us into Amon Amarth’s eighth album “Surtur Rising,” a record that, yes, sounds a hell of a lot like their last few. And you expected what? Now, keep in mind, I’ve only listened to the new album a few times, so this isn’t an official “review.” This is just a first impression, so please do not take this as my official stance on the album. It’s also why I’m not going into any great detail because I haven’t fully explored the record yet.
Now, initially, I didn’t hear any songs that jumped out at me sort of the way “Guardians of Asgaard” or “Runes to My Memory” did. You know, those touchstone songs that grab you right away. But subsequent listens have changed that some. Opener “War of the Gods” has made its impression on me, as has “Destroyer of the Universe” and “Live Without Regrets.” They have the classic Amon Amarth traits of punchy verses, sing-alongable choruses, fist-pumping structures. They’ll sound nice live. One of the more notable songs on here is “Slaves of Fear,” which, while undeniably Amon Amarth, has a slightly different tone. It’s a bit more pulled back, the guitar work sits in the mire a bit, and the bombast isn’t dialed up to 11. It’s at, like, 7. So there you go: your curveball.
“Surtur Rising” was one of my most anticipated albums of the spring (the others being Primordial and Dark Castle), and so far I’m enjoying what I’m hearing. I’m still a few more visits away from being able to render an official verdict, so I’ll refrain from saying any more about my personal feelings. Sounds like if you like Amon Amarth, you’ll feel right at home, but if you’re opposed to their style, you won’t exactly have your mind changed. Oh, and if you’re bound to be one of those who has to preorder this thing, can’t go wrong with the package listed below. It’s, uh, interesting.
Meat Mead Metal 