Amon Amarth, the melodic death metal sensation is returning to the US, opening for Ghost and you better get on that rowing machine at Equinox before you come to the show, because there’s going to be work to do in the pit.
The growling long-haired Swedes look like they’re en route to a dirty beard convention in Asgaard. And on stage they rock. Drummer Jocke Wallgren seems more impressed with groove than speed. Guitarists Ted Lundström and Olavi Mikkonen can provide the dual six string attack when necessary. But all eyes are on frontman Johan Hegg whose tales of Middle Earth are eclipsed only by his commands.
Which commands? Well, when they play the title track of 2022’s Put Your Back Into The Oar, you will be expected to get your booty on the dirty floor. And when Hegg grunts ROW, you should obey.
Despite all the Norse imagery and Viking themes, the band would rather not be called Viking metal because they don’t want to be lumped in with some of the other bands in that genre who embrace hate groups and extreme politics.
Amon Amarth, after all, is Elvish from a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. They’re just Lord of the Rings nerds who know how to shred.
But, beware the rowing phenomen is growing. Even though the tune live debuted less than a year ago, fans in the scene have been captured doing the move without being ordered, and at least once at someone else’s show.
read more at: Setlist.fm
