Scripture and Screams: Amon Amarth: Deceiver of the Gods CD Review
Returning to the masses with their ninth studio album, Amon Amarth graces us with their new album, Deceiver of the Gods. While I am not usually a fan of the the epic melodic Norse death metal style, Amon Amarth has certainly given me pause to take notice. The album has a distinct lean towards thrash metal and an angrier undertone to it that lends to the edginess of the songs I have not heard in past albums, and is a welcome addition. The technical precision of the guitar work is spot on and the vocal styling is much more in tune with those that may enjoy a “cleaner” death metal growl. Showing me a depth of darkness I did not think existed in this type of metal, the rest of the songs had driving elements to them that certainly made the album stand up over several listenings.Tracks like “Blood Eagle” and “Hel” (with former Candlemass vocalist Messiah Marcolin on guest vocals!) are simply amazing. Vocalist Johan Hegg: “The idea of doing something with him came up quite a long time ago, and we were waiting for the song that it would best work on. When we started getting the basics down for “Hel”, we felt it would be a perfect song for him to contribute to. The way it came together was very natural. We sent him a rough version with my vocals and he worked his own on top of that and around the music. I think our contrasting styles work together brilliantly, and it’s really exciting for us to have that on the record.”* “Coming of the Tides” and “Shape Shifter” also get special nods as tracks that drew me in, but there is not a bad track on this album.
Get Amon Amarth’s Deceiver of the Gods CD on iTunes
For the CD’s Pre-Release, a Limited Edition Package was released that included:
– Limited Edition Collectible Loki Bust (Appox. 10 Inches Tall)
-Multi-Panel Digipak with 16-Page Full-Color Booklet
– Under the Influence Mini Poster
– Limited Edition Fliptop Keep Case
-Deceiver of the Gods T-Shirt
The set is no longer available for order, but you can purchase the CD and LP at the Amon Amarth Metal Blade Store
The Dedman’s Verdict: 8 out of 10
Track Listing:
CD #1 – “Deceiver of the Gods”
1. Deceiver of the Gods
2. As Loke Falls
3. Father of the Wolf
4. Shape Shifter
5. Under Siege
6. Blood Eagle
7. We Shall Destroy
8. Hel
9. Coming of the Tide
10. Warriors of the North
CD #2 – Bonus EP – “Under the Influence”
1. Burning Anvil of Steel
2. Satan Rising
3. Snake Eyes
4. Stand Up to Go Down
Metal Blade Records Official Website
*Quote from Amon Amarth Metal Blade Profile Page