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Key · 08-03-2016, 06:53 PM

Amon Amarth - Jomsviking
Release Date: March 25, 2016

I'm giving Amon Amarth's most recent release a listen. Why? Because I happen to enjoy some Amon Amarth from time to time, and I feel it's only fair to give their most recent album a listen as it was released this year, plus there's been some talk about it here and there, so I figured I'd give my two cents.

Upon the first listen, I have to give them credit for making a much more accessible and dare I say, catchy album. Through the years, I have grown a little bit bored of the deep heavy vocals that Amon Amarth are known for, but when it's done so in a pretty decent way, it makes for a good if not great listening experience. Unfortunately, when it comes to making something new, Amon Amarth are shy in that regard. There's nothing breathtakingly great about this album, there's really nothing new to the table as well, but it is damn catchy and I found myself tapping my feet to a couple tracks. The album does stay strong throughout though, which is nice. Again, more due to the fact that it is very catchy, so it's not hard to be entertained by it.

Amon Amarth are a weird band for me because sometimes I really like them, then other times I really hate them. But it really depends on the mood. I can certainly see why people like this album, and I'm not saying I hate it. There are a lot of great tracks on it. The intro track "First Kill" is a fantastic way to start the album. As the album progresses through "Wanderer", "On a Sea of Blood" and so on, you still get a taste of those catchy guitar riffs and well fitting deep vocals. But again, and I've mentioned this a few times, it's just nothing new. It's a lot of recycled riffs and vocals and lyrics that have been used to make another 11 tracks. I give them credit though, because they're obviously trying to stay relevant, and they've never really changed their sound to meet the standards of the metal community. On top of that, their album artwork is always a lot of fun to look at, and this one is certainly no exception.

Now, for the fun part. What and where would I rate this album? Well, in terms of this years releases, it falls short. There's been a lot of great music this year, some offering something new, and some just continuing to show the greatness of certain acts. This one just sits in that awkward spot where the album deserves to be on this list, but I could easily take the album off my favorite albums list in a second. In terms of where I'd rate it for their releases? Well, it's definitely one of their best. Wouldn't say best, because I don't really know which album I would consider their best. This one like I said is probably the most accessible, so they certainly played it safe, and it works. But, I will always have a soft spot for the With Oden On Our Side / Twilight Of The Thunder God era. Would I recommend this album? Absolutely. If you're looking for an overall fun metal album to listen to, I'd say give it a shot.

08-03-2016, 06:53 PM	#32 (permalink)
Key . Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 13,153	Amon Amarth - Jomsviking Release Date: March 25, 2016 I'm giving Amon Amarth's most recent release a listen. Why? Because I happen to enjoy some Amon Amarth from time to time, and I feel it's only fair to give their most recent album a listen as it was released this year, plus there's been some talk about it here and there, so I figured I'd give my two cents. Upon the first listen, I have to give them credit for making a much more accessible and dare I say, catchy album. Through the years, I have grown a little bit bored of the deep heavy vocals that Amon Amarth are known for, but when it's done so in a pretty decent way, it makes for a good if not great listening experience. Unfortunately, when it comes to making something new, Amon Amarth are shy in that regard. There's nothing breathtakingly great about this album, there's really nothing new to the table as well, but it is damn catchy and I found myself tapping my feet to a couple tracks. The album does stay strong throughout though, which is nice. Again, more due to the fact that it is very catchy, so it's not hard to be entertained by it. Amon Amarth are a weird band for me because sometimes I really like them, then other times I really hate them. But it really depends on the mood. I can certainly see why people like this album, and I'm not saying I hate it. There are a lot of great tracks on it. The intro track "First Kill" is a fantastic way to start the album. As the album progresses through "Wanderer", "On a Sea of Blood" and so on, you still get a taste of those catchy guitar riffs and well fitting deep vocals. But again, and I've mentioned this a few times, it's just nothing new. It's a lot of recycled riffs and vocals and lyrics that have been used to make another 11 tracks. I give them credit though, because they're obviously trying to stay relevant, and they've never really changed their sound to meet the standards of the metal community. On top of that, their album artwork is always a lot of fun to look at, and this one is certainly no exception. Now, for the fun part. What and where would I rate this album? Well, in terms of this years releases, it falls short. There's been a lot of great music this year, some offering something new, and some just continuing to show the greatness of certain acts. This one just sits in that awkward spot where the album deserves to be on this list, but I could easily take the album off my favorite albums list in a second. In terms of where I'd rate it for their releases? Well, it's definitely one of their best. Wouldn't say best, because I don't really know which album I would consider their best. This one like I said is probably the most accessible, so they certainly played it safe, and it works. But, I will always have a soft spot for the With Oden On Our Side / Twilight Of The Thunder God era. Would I recommend this album? Absolutely. If you're looking for an overall fun metal album to listen to, I'd say give it a shot.