Amon Amarth are back with their full length number thirteen. This is their new opus released four years since last one. There are ten songs on this opus. Swedes do their tried formula of crushing melodic death metal mixed with Viking themed lyrics about gods, battles and Valhalla. I love such thematic in the songs, so I love this band although many say that their albums are rehashing of one same thing over and over again. No matter, this one is a good opus nonetheless. Johan Hegg has great vocals singing growling death metal style, yet I can understand what is being sung, so that was always a great puls for this band in my opinion. As for the songs, I love the galloping warrior vibe of Eight Legs Of Thunder with anthemic epic chorus and great guitar melody theme. Another stand out song on this one is We Rule The Waves, catchy, rolling tune with warrior viking proud lyrics. Upphaf is an interesting song with being almost a folk ballad, but just somehow didn’t sit with me. Destructive and mighty Die With A War Cry with me singing the title chorus for couple of days long. Just as I thought that it couldn’t get any better comes Raven God, another catchy song carrying me on the wings of it’s guitar melodies and mighty chorus. The title song did not had such impact on me, but that doesn’t mean it is a bad song, it is just missing something to be on the level with above mentioned songs. Oden’s Hunt delivers almost kind of melancholic guitar melody on chorus and this is another song to enjoy on this album. The song closing this opus is Ascending Like An Eagle, banger to close this chapter of Amon Amarth. This is another strong release from this masters of Viking death metal.
9/10
