Amon Amarth - 'Once Sent From The Golden Hall'

Formed in the late '80s as Scum, they changed their sound and their name when vocalist Johan Hegg joined the band. Amon Amarth recorded a few demos and released an EP in 1996. They were then signed by Metal Blade Records and released their full-length debut Once Sent From The Golden Hall in 1998.

Amon Amarth's first four albums are getting the re-release treatment in 2009, and it starts with their debut. The 2 CD collection includes a remastered edition of Once From The Golden Hall along with the bonus track "Siegreicher Marsch" (the German version of "Victorious March").

The second CD is the band playing the entire album live. It was recorded in 2008 in Bochum, Germany. It's a good way to do it, because the 10 year span between the release of the CD and the live recording gives the songs a different sound.

The band's trademark sound was there from the beginning. It has become much more polished and refined over the years, but the fundamentals are evident on Once Sent From The Golden Hall. It's an outstanding debut, with a lot of raw power and aggression and Amon Amarth's Viking inspired lyrics. Even if you own the original version, this edition is worth buying for the bonus live disc.

(released March 3, 2009 on Metal Blade Records)