The Crusher

Sweden's Amon Amarth swiftly became my favorite melodic death metal band several years ago when I first heard them. Though "Fate of Norns" was the first album I acquired by this band, it was this, "The Crusher," that sealed the deal for me. While Amon Amarth have refined their sound and become more accessible (not due to sylistic change but to updated album production measures,) I still see their earlier days as their prime. Not discounting what they've done in recent years, which is all good to the ears, but the raw sounds and incredible songwriting give these early works an epic in high doses feel.

"Bastards of a Lying Breed" is an excellent example of this, with the songs themselves mimicing (though not copying, don't confuse the two) the style we heard on "The Avenger." Rest assured, anyone who liked that album will like this one as they are very similiar in both sound and production standard. Although the stage of refinement in the style and songwriting hasn't changed much, I've always preferred to this album to its predecessor. To me, there just isn't overcoming the thunderous "The Sound of Eight Hooves" or instant goodness of "Risen from the Sea," a re-recorded version which originally appeared on the "Thor Arise" demo some time prior. I've never actually heard the original (except for the re-release version of the demos on "Versus the World" special set) but I prefer this one to what I have heard.

Naturally this wouldn't be Amon Amarth without some good Norse mythology and history, nor the unmistakable and intelligent growls of Johan Hegg. He delivers a great performance here, from the firestorms of "Bastards of a Lying Breed" to that of "Releasing Surtur's Fire," there isn't a dull moment with the guy. I've always loved how Hegg has always sounded intimidating yet his vocals are somewhat distinguishable and intelligent, never dumbing himself to those redundant and utterly disgusting growls that most "gore" death bands and American deathcore bands get caught in.

In terms of sheer melodic death firepower, look no further than "Annilihation of Hammerfest," "The Sound of Eight Hooves," and "Masters of War." My personal favorite out of the track list would belong to the lengthy but never boring "A Fury Divine." It lays out this band's usual epic nature on full scale, complete with an emotive solo, making this one of the album's great highlights. That being said, there isn't a dull moment on this record, from start to finish. The Possessed cover in "Eyes of Horror" is rather well done, and while not exactly a fan of that band I particularly enjoyed the cover more than I expected to. There has been a re-release of this album sometime in 2009, which is complete with some live performances. I personally have the original, but I can say I've not been tempted necessarily with re-purchasing this album for the sake of the extra goodies.

Bottom line, Amon Amarth's earlier career always stands as their best to me, seeing this band refining their sound and creating albums that become pure musical gold. Of those, "The Crusher" stands in high regard. I enjoyed these songs more so than those on "The Avenger," albeit slightly, while I see this album being more accessible to newer fans than "Once Sent from the Golden Hall." "Accessible" is a relative term, for this is still serious heavy metal firepower of the melodic death variety. It also outclasses most Gothenburg acts out there, which is saying alot considering I'm often partial to the works of bands like early In Flames, Dark Tranquility and earlier Arch Enemy. Already established fans who own "With Oden On Our Side" but are curious about this band's past, look no further than the great power of "The Crusher."