Now if the football Vikings could match this band's strength
Scott Hedegard | Fayetteville, AR USA | 01/01/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lyrical content has never been a big consideration with me. While I appreciate the intelligent lyric as much as anyone, the music is what I pay attention to. Maybe that's how most musicians are - I've noticed non-musician fans tend to pay much more attention to the lyrical content. Whatever floats your boat, or in this case, a longboat.
Not being a student of Norse historical mythology, the tales of warriors and bravado earn at most a big shrug with me and the subject matter not changing album after album for Amon Amarth could get monotonous, but with the music this catchy, who cares?
"Twilight Of The Thunder God" is the best AA CD I own, with more musical muscle than ever before without sacrificing the signature guitar attack that could have easily had ol' King Olaf headbanging with the best of 'em had this type of metal existed back in the good old days. The title track has lead guitar, as do a few others, and that's a plus because the tunes really did need some icing here and there. The use of real minor chord structures adds depth to the rhythm playing and helps accent the lead work, which is pretty damn good. More, please.
Of course, much is made of the appearance of Apocalyptica, but the CD's main strength is the pounding beat, lyrics you can decipher and good melody work. Amon Amarth have grown, and one hopes they continue to expand their sound, with more lead guitar work, and maybe some clean vocal lines here and there just to spice it up. Pillaging a village near you."