Amon Amarth - Fate of Norns
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Free Music Notes for Fate of Norns
Free Music Review: AMON AMARTH Fate of Norns
Hit: 5 Stars
I seem to be on the same page with most reviewers on this one. 'Fate of Norns' is Amon Amarth's best record to date, hands down. While 'Vs. the World' showed some progression from previous recordings, this album brings the band full circle showing real maturity. I know that sounds cliche, but after one listen this album had me absolutely hooked and wanting more. The standard thrashing but melodic riffing backed by the signiture pounding beats and guttural but well-enunciated vocals growling out tales of Viking fuedalism are all still present. But this record shows something far more developed than previous albums, SONGS! Yup, the songwriting has grown leaps and bounds since the last record. The structures have been stripped down to a more simplified approach, with tighter arrangements and greater emphasis on hooks and melodious, intricate guitar work. The lyrical content has shown some of the most obvious growth. Having laid to rest shock songs about eating the eyeballs of your slain foes and the like, the new material concentrates on a much more vivid type of lyrical storytelling. Weaving stories of battle and conquest in the pre-medieval Norse world, tracks like 'Arson' and 'Pursuit of Vikings' tell their tales with the poignancy of an Icelandic saga. This will all be a disappointment to some so-called "troo" fans who will undoubtedly claim this record is too polished and commercial, but there is more to death-metal than staying entrenched in a rut for the sake of a few self-styled die-hards. If one could assemble all of these so-called elites at some kind of extreme metal seminar it would probably resemble a Midwestern American swap-meet in black t-shirts with a smattering of cheesy corpse-paint, so consider the source when reading or hearing the words of the more closed-minded sects of a fan-base. Such people are far more in the minority than they would have you believe. Anyway, back to the record; while the ambience of some songs like the atmospheric 'Where Death Seems to Dwell' and the sorrowful title track are more like mood-setters than anything these boys have done before, other songs like the vengeful 'Once Sealed in Blood', and the ferocious fist-pumper 'Valkeries Ride' show that this band still has an ample reserve of face-ripping potential. In my opinion, the more rudimentary arrangemnents and catchy moments lend these songs a more elemental and primal energy which only add to the band's natural voracity, while the moodier moments add a colorful contrast which brings out the nastiness of the slashing parts that much more. This record is simply brilliant in its dynamics. Listen and decide for yourself, but anyone dismayed by this album's newfound diversity is simply missing the point. I have faith that most metal enthusiasts know a great record when they hear it, so I'm sure the vast majority of fans will welcome 'Fate of Norns' with open arms and give it the respect it truly deserves. This record is worthy of a hero's praise, if not a God-like reverence. RAISE YOUR SWORDS!Free Music Review: They Never Disappoint
Hit: 5 Stars
Amon Amarth have proven to be one of the most consistent bands in metal. They've carved out a sound and style all thier own. With simplistic and stripped down pure metal melodies executed to perfection,they manage to create an epic and headbangingly ferocious vibe with every release. What they "lack" in technicality, they more than make up for in atmosphere and raw feeling. This new release is no exception. It has a terriffic sound (providing you like good, clean production), and the songs flow very well together. There's a good variation of tempos and structures that keep it from getting boring, while every track is catchy and has Amon Amarth's signature viking atmosphere throughout. The lyrics are what you'd expect; tales of viking loss and triumph, battle and revenge. The last two songs go together as one story, but are two very different sounding songs, which I thought was a great touch, creating the best part of the disc for the last 10-11 minutes. Johann Hegg's vokills are also up to par, ferocious, yet intelligible. Another staple for these guys. Bottom line is; if you are a fan of Amon Amarth, you should already know there is no reason to read this review because they never disappoint. For people new to the band; if you are ok with growling vocals and rolling double bass, then I promise that you will enjoy all of their work. This cd would be as good as any to start with and I'm sure the band would prefer you picked up their new one.Free Music Review: Solid Viking Metal
Hit: 5 Stars
At first, I was of the typical opinion that "Versus the World" was the better album. Even still, I think Amon Amarth made some of their best work on that album. But, after having both cd's for a while, I find that I turn to "Fate of Norns" more often. It has a more consistent pace and all the songs flow together. But the big thing about this album is Johan's lyrics. Whereas the songs on "Vs" seemed to be retellings of specific viking tales, on this album most of the songs turn into epic stories that Johan creates. Of course, he still draws on folklore and mythology to write the songs, but they seem to have more depth and thought put into them. Once you have a grasp on the lyrics, the songs become epic and meaningful. "The Fate of Norns," "Arson," and "The Beheading of a King" are stellar Amon Amarth songs. I like how "Once Sealed in Blood" is a continuation of "Arson," But the repetitive corus makes it one of my least favorite Amon Amarth songs ever. I can understand how many people like this album less, but if you are into Amon Amarth and are debating on purchasing this cd, you should definitely get it. I would also recommend Aeturnus "...And So the Night Became," and anything by Bolt Thrower.Free Music Review: Awesome Viking metal
Hit: 5 Stars
This CD is a truely melodic death metal album. The vocals are death metal. The drumming is death metal. The bass is death metal. The guitars are --- complex and not always chugging along? What's this? Death metal CAN have melody!
Amon Amarth is here to prove that. Put on your battle armor, grab your axe, and prepare for AA.
This cd does a great job providing different styles to each song, whether it's a slower [for a while] song, like the second track on the cd, or a faster, less-melodic song, like Valkyries Ride. There isn't enough soloing on the cd, but when there is it's fantastic.
Deep, throaty, and dark vocals are produced by the lead singer. Fast double-bassing and even some other stuff not typically seen in death metal is shown for by the drummer, but far more original are the melodic guitars.
Many of my friends, who are typically geared towards lighter things, such as Bright Eyes and the such can even enjoy this CD.
Great, complex songs, awesome lyrics, and a good effort proves that Viking metal really can work, on this masterpiece of a CD.
Free Music Review: Worth adding to anyone's metal collection...
Hit: 5 Stars
Originally I gave this cd 4 stars but after listening to it numerous times after that, I decided to give it 5 stars. After hearing "An Ancient Sign of Coming Storm" off Metal Blade's website, I decided to pick this up. While its nothing groundbreaking, its a very enjoyable cd that will have most people listening until the end. Everything sounds really good on here and all of the songs are great. The songs are interesting in that they tell a story which is a nice change from other bands lyrical styles. My only complaint is that everything sounds almost a little bit too similar, but I guess lots of other bands suffer from that too. Despite this, this is one cd that would make a nice addition to anybody's collection of favorite viking metal cds.