Artist: Amon Amarth
Label: Metal Blade
Release Date: 11/2/99
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Title: The Avenger Artist: Amon Amarth Label: Metal Blade Release Date: 11/2/99 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Amon Amarth return from the frozen wasteland that is Sweden with The Avenger, which adds to the documented proof that Scandanavians make some of the sickest metal out there. When one uses the term Swedish death nowadays, most think of the melody-laden Gothenburg scene that many feel is becoming played out (I am not among them). But Amon Amarth have a darker vibe going on. Unlike In Flames, and Dark Tranquility, Amon Amarth are not likely to give center stage to clean or female vocals or extended acoustic passages. They prefer a thicker, more predatory sound, with effect-layered vocals that, while assisted by technology, serve to add a great deal to the overall effect. If one is to pigeon hole them by comparing them to other bands, the names In Aeturnum and Crown of Thorns (Eternal Death and The Burning - not their newest death and roll album) would have to come up. If you are a fan of these bands you definitely want to pick this release up. Every aspect of this album is thick, the guitars (impressive especially because thickness is difficult at these speeds), the vocals, the drums-of course with music this heavy the bass usually gets lost, but I'm sure it's thick as well. If this band isn't necessarily doing anything new, they are at least making it their own. They may be comparable to the aforementioned bands, but with repeated listens they are easily distinguishable. While this style avoids traditional melody like many of their countrymen, they do growl with an endearing cadence that inspires one to sing along. Melody without melody. The production on the album is nothing short of groundbreaking, probably the biggest reason that these fellows stand alone…we've heard this stuff before, but we've never heard it quite like this. The knob-twister for this release is none other than Hypocrisy guru Peter Tagtgren, who continuously makes me wonder if he's a better songwriter or producer (The last Hypocrisy album made me think the former, this release makes me think it might be the latter). The early favorite when it comes to individual tracks is "Legend of a Banished Man," and "The Last With Pagan Blood" (I don't think these guys are Christian, by the way) which stand out slightly in a sea of good work. In every review I try to point out the weak points, but if you like this particular type of death there really isn't much to put down. The only thing I can think to say is that it's not quite as memorable as my favorite of the genre, Crown of Thorns' Eternal Death, but hell, that's just a matter of personal taste. Color me a big fan now.
"They growl with an endearing cadence that inspires one to sing along. Melody without melody."
Death's Review:
Having lost talented drummer Martin Lopez to full-time concentration on Opeth, Amon Amarth return to Peter Tagtgren's Abyss Studios and deliver The Avenger. The verdict? Friends of the sun-cross will rejoice, as a solid, "mature" set of well-produced Swedeath has emerged from the other side. While those not as obsessed with the sound may come away with the sense that they've heard it all before, warriors in the cause of metal will welcome The Avenger into the hallowed halls with open arms.
Lyrically, The Avenger comes across as a Scandinavian Manowar for the Tolkein set. "Wrath, hate, pain and death! The code we live by, it's in our souls. Metal is the way!" Musically, the pounding double bass drums of "Bleed for Ancient Gods" or "Avenger" (the latter the album's best track), and pulsating rockride cymbal on "The Last With Pagan Blood" show that the change in drummers is endurable. But the majority of the lengthy passages of seemingly uninspired riffing makes this album nothing more than standard-issue. If this is a sound you crave, Tagtgren's own Hypocrisy will serve you infinitely better.
"Friends of the sun-cross will rejoice, as a solid, "mature" set of well-produced Swedeath has emerged." Nevertheless, the album's old-school-headbanger leanings show through frequently enough to garner a fair amount of praise. "Metalwrath" pounds with a Sepultura meets Iron Maiden vibe. The opening riffs to "Legend of a Banished Man" and "Avenger" force the head and neck to sway up-and-down repeatedly, in time to the drum beat. Amon Amarth is solid metal. Maybe not the best, but certainly worthy.
Hel's Review:
First order of business, I've gotta give a nod to the cover art for this album. I really like the ancient armor/sword/fire motif. It looks very cool and sets the tone for the album nicely, not to mention how well this image suits both the name of the album and the name of the band. (ed note: Sorry we couldn't bring the album cover image to you. If you're as upset about that as we are, please write to Metal Blade and tell them to get off their asses and promote their band better on their own Web site.)The Avenger is a brutal metal attack. Most of the tracks stand out and beg to be discussed and dissected. For the sake of brevity, I'll only scratch the surface of a couple.
"The Last with Pagan Blood" is a masterpiece. It begins with a violin-esque guitar sound, which is repeated occasionally throughout. There is a wonderful blend of mellowness and heaviness in this song, and you must hear it for yourself the get the full effect. In contrast, the very next track, "North Sea Storm," is full on metal every moment. Even the slow passages are slowly heavy.
"The Avenger is a brutal metal attack. Most of the tracks stand out and beg to be discussed and dissected." This album has grown on me far more than I had expected. Upon my fist listen, the thing that struck me was the production -- Peter Tagtgren has a production style that is distinctive -- and I found myself dwelling on that. As I listen to it more, I find myself dwelling on the complexity of the songs. Each has distinict structure with a multitude of details strewn throughout. The result is captivating and I find myself more drawn in with each listen. An outstanding album.
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