Amon Amarth - With Oden on Our Side (2006)^{Release ID: 3744}

Amon Amarth. Start with Iron Maiden, down tune, speed it up, add blast beats, and all the songs are about vikings. I find their inclusion/labeling as a death metal band a bit misleading. Not everything with a guttoral vocal is death metal guys.  This is just a natural progression of heavy metal (Guardians Clan), and I think this is reflecting in the clan rating being a fullpoint lower than the overall. If you come to Amon Amarth looking for something like Obituary, Cannibal Corpse, or Morbid Angel you won't find it.

What you will find is THE VIKING metal band, and they are incredibly tight in the studio and on the stage. I saw them a couple years back with Obituary and Carcass (Carcass kicked everybody's ass but that's a diferent story). This is fast and furious Viking themed metal, nothing more, nothing less, and if you are looking for that you will not be disapointed. For the most part Amon Amarth will always be a gimmick to me, but there is something to be said for being the absolute best at the gimmick and they 100% are. They are also an incredibly tight live band with a great stage show and just a damn good time for all to enjoy.

What pushes this review beyond 3 stars for me is the inclusion of "Runes to my Memory". It's an incredible song on it's own merit and one that belongs on any heavy metal playlist.  Everything around it is very solid, but that track stands out for me. See you in Valhalla!