Amon Amarth

w/ Mhorgl

Capitol, Perth – 24th November 2009

Five massive long-haired Vikings with continual synchronised windmilling – now this is what you wanna see at a metal gig!

Beyond epic introductory trumpets and surrounded by huge banners of the mighty Thor, the Swedish legends Amon Amarth advanced unto the stage to a roaring Perth crowd. The triumphant warriors held their instruments in the air, whilst the satisfied grin from frontman Johan spoke a thousand words.

The opening riff from the title track of their latest album Twilight Of The Thundergod sounded, and it was clear what Amon Amarth were here for, to pillage and plunder unsuspecting minions with epic melodic death metal paying tribute to their ancestors.

As the massacre continued, so too did the mosh pit, and there was possibly the most stagediving I’ve ever seen at Capitol. With welcoming arms, these Vikings shook hands and hugged their beloved fans as they stormed the stage, showing a true appreciation for their alliance.

After the onslaught of Guardians of Asguard, they slowed things down halfway through the show with Where Silent Gods Stand Guard, allowing the crowd to catch their breath before the ambush of massive songs to follow. Runes To My Memory, Death In Fire, and Cry of the Blackbirds one after another sure was a remorseless battle.

Whilst the musicianship and stageshow couldn’t be faulted, the only personal let down for me was the lack of tracks from the classic The Crusher and The Avenger albums. Although the splendid Death In Fire from 2002’s Versus The World was a nice compromise.

With an obvious encore about to take place, Pursuit Of Vikings from 2004’s Fate Of Norns closed the show. The memorable chorus was dragged out just before the end to ensure every one of the brave warriors in the room were chanting along – Odin, guide our ships, our axes spears and swords!”

AMON AMARTH SETLIST: Tuesday 24th Novemeber, 2009
Twilight of the Thundergod
Free Will Sacrifice
Valkyries Ride
Varyags of Miklagaard
Bleed For Ancient Gods
Guardians Of Asguard
Where Silent Gods Stand Guard
Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags
Live For The Kill
Gods Of War Arise
Asator
Runes To My Memory
Death In Fire
Cry of the Blackbirds
——-
Pursuit Of Vikings