The Bottom Line
The Swedish melodic death metal band delivers an outstanding album.
Pros
- All killer, no filler.
- Excellent vocals.
Cons
- None.
Description
- Released in North America October 3, 2006 on Metal Blade Records.
- The CD was recorded at Fascination Street Studios with producer Jens Bogren (Soilwork, Opeth).
- This is Amon Amarth's sixth full-length studio CD.
- The band formed in 1992.
Guide Review - Amon Amarth - With Oden On Our Side
Amon Amarth's approach on this album was very different than in the past. First they decided to use a producer for the first time instead of just having an engineer. They were also able to quit their day jobs and put in intense songwriting sessions for this album. The result is their most focused and polished release to date.
The added emphasis and time spent on songwriting is very evident on With Oden On Our Side There is absolutely no filler. The riffs range from solid to memorable, and there are some very catchy hooks and choruses. The production of Jens Bogren is very crisp and allows both the brutality and the melody of the the band's melodic death metal style to come through.
As you can tell from the title, the Swedish band continues to use Viking and Nordic themes in their lyrics. Vocalist Johan Hegg has a deep, death metal delivery, but his vocals are also completely understandable, an added bonus in my book. Amon Amarth has returned to form on this album, and this is simply a crushing death metal album.
