Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Amon Amarth - Versus the World (2002)

I have always considered Amon Amarth's output as being little more than background music.  In terms of consistency they are like a melodic version of Cannibal Corpse - light years apart in sound but in terms of being able to largely predict the quality of each release they are very much similar in comparison.  That isn't to knock their work ethic.  They don't put out bad albums per se, they just largely all sound the same and whilst obviously capable musicians there's never much effort expelled to push their boundaries.  Like the aforementioned more extreme band, in comparison both enjoy much success from a loyal fan base who eat up their releases time and time again.  For me though I struggle to get excited by much of Amon Amarth's releases and Versus the World is no different.

The same format stays for all songs on offer here.  Melodic, plodding death metal that has no progression or real sense of urgency or drama to it.  It is true meat and potatoes melodic death metal and I fully understand why fans love it but after three tracks the boredom sets in and I find my mind wondering and my attention waning.  All the grandiose song titles such as Death in Fire, Where Silent Gods Stand Guard and Bloodshed give me hope that the content is going to live up to imagery that the language used builds in my head, but sadly I just feel underwhelmed on each occasion.

Similarly, the epic artwork on the front cover made me want to explore the album despite knowing the experience I would invariably have.  On this front Amon Amarth remind me of Manowar; another band I have never really got the goofy appeal of.  They appear to talk a good game, but the delivery is off.  The promise and intent is no doubt genuine enough but the reality is underwhelming at best.