Amon Amarth released their seventh album, «Twilight of the Thunder God», on September 17, 2008 via Metal Blade — and AllMusic called it «the best Viking album of the Swedish scene», a record that launched them into the mainstream without losing any of their power.
Country: Sweden
Genre: Melodic Death Metal / Viking Metal
For fans of: Ensiferum, Dark Tranquillity, At the Gates
The listen
The title track «Twilight of the Thunder God» opens with Johan Hegg roaring over one of the most epic riffs of their career — and with a guest solo from Children of Bodom’s Roope Latvala. «Guardians of Asgaard» immediately became a staple of their live shows, with a chorus the whole arena sings. «Live for the Kill» has one of their most groovy melodies, while «Varyags of Miklagaard» adds a darker, epic dimension.
«Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags» is one of the most atmospheric tracks, with Hegg in warrior mode, and «Where Is Your God?» leans heavier with doom-like passages. The cover of «Cry of the Black Birds» closes the record with the same epic air, while the special edition also includes «Embrace of the Endless Ocean».
Jens Bogren’s production gave their sound volume and clarity, and the record was a huge commercial success: it entered the Billboard 200 Top 50 — their first such achievement — and established Amon Amarth as the absolute ambassadors of viking metal, with the crowd’s “boats” becoming a staple at their concerts.
Tracklist
1. Twilight of the Thunder God
2. Free Will Sacrifice
3. Guardians of Asgaard
4. Live for the Kill
5. Varyags of Miklagaard
6. Where Is Your God?
7. The Hero
8. A Fury Divine
9. Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags
10. No Fear for the Setting Sun
11. Cry of the Black Birds
See also
AMON AMARTH: New single «Eight Legs Of Thunder» · At the Gates – Slaughter of the Soul
