Amon Amarth is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Tumba, formed in 1992. The band's name derives from the Sindarin name for Mount Doom, a volcano in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Its lyrics primarily focus on Norse mythology and Viking history, leading to occasional classification as Viking metal, although the band identifies its music as melodic death metal. Amon Amarth consists of lead guitarist Olavi Mikkonen, vocalist Johan Hegg, bassist Ted Lundström, rhythm guitarist Johan Söderberg, and drummer Jocke Wallgren.
The band has released thirteen studio albums, one compilation album, one extended play (EP), one video album, and ten music videos. Its debut studio album, "Once Sent from the Golden Hall", was released in 1998. The band achieved wider commercial success with its seventh studio album, "Twilight of the Thunder God" (2008), which reached number 10 on the Swedish Albums Chart and number 50 on the US Billboard 200. Subsequent albums include "Surtur Rising" (2011), "Deceiver of the Gods" (2013), "Jomsviking" (2016), "Berserker" (2019), "The Great Heathen Army" (2022), and "The All-Father Awakens" (2026).
History
Formation (1988-1991)
Amon Amarth originated from Scum, a grindcore and death metal band formed in 1988. Scum's original lineup included vocalist Paul "Themgoroth" Mäkitalo, lead guitarist Olavi Mikkonen, bassist Petri Tarvainen, and rhythm guitarist Vesa Meriläinen.
Early recordings (1992-1997)
Following a demo recording in 1991, Scum disbanded, and Amon Amarth formed in 1992. Johan Hegg replaced Mäkitalo as vocalist, Anders Hansson joined as rhythm guitarist, and Ted Lundström replaced Tarvainen on bass.
The band recorded its first demo, "Thor Arise", in 1993. Due to concerns about its sound quality, the recording was not officially released. Nevertheless, it attracted attention within the extreme metal scene. In 1994, the band recorded a second demo, "The Arrival of the Fimbul Winter", of which 1,000 copies were distributed.
In 1996, Amon Amarth signed with Pulverised Records and released its first mini-album, "Sorrow Throughout the Nine Worlds". The release sold approximately 6,000 copies.
Signed with Metal Blade (1998-2007)
Amon Amarth signed with Metal Blade Records and released its debut studio album, "Once Sent from the Golden Hall", in 1998. The album combined distorted guitar riffs, melodic harmonies, and death metal rhythms with lyrics concerning Norse mythology and battles. It helped establish the band internationally.
In June 1998, guitarist Anders Hansson left the band and was replaced by Johan Söderberg. Following a tour with Deicide, Six Feet Under, and Brutal Truth, drummer Martin Lopez departed to join Opeth. Fredrik Andersson, formerly of A Canorous Quintet, became the band's drummer.
With Andersson, the band recorded its second studio album, "The Avenger", released in 1999. The album was supported by the X-Mas Massacre Festivals Tour, headlined by Morbid Angel. Amon Amarth also performed at Wacken Open Air in Germany in August 1999.
The band's third studio album, "The Crusher", was released in 2001. The band toured with Marduk and Vader and participated in the No Mercy Festival. A planned US tour in autumn 2001 was postponed following the September 11 attacks and took place in January 2002.
In April 2002, Amon Amarth toured Europe with Vomitory and performed at Wacken Open Air in August. The band's fourth studio album, "Versus the World", was released in 2002. A special edition, titled "The Viking Edition", included the demos "Thor Arise" and "The Arrival of the Fimbul Winter".
The band continued touring until spring 2004, when it began working on its fifth studio album, "Fate of Norns", released on 6 September 2004. Its sixth album, "With Oden on Our Side", followed in 2006 and reached number 26 on the US Top Independent Albums chart. In May 2006, the band released the video album "Wrath of the Norsemen". Amon Amarth performed at Wacken Open Air in August of that year.
In early 2008, the band toured Australia and New Zealand for the first time, supporting Dimmu Borgir. This followed a tour of the United States and Canada with Sonic Syndicate and Himsa.
Renewed contract with Metal Blade (2008-2014)
Amon Amarth renewed its recording contract with Metal Blade Records for three additional albums. Its seventh studio album, "Twilight of the Thunder God", was released in 2008. The album featured guest appearances by Lars-Göran Petrov of Entombed, Roope Latvala of Children of Bodom, and members of the cello metal band Apocalyptica. A comic strip based on Norse mythology accompanied the album's release in several European magazines.
"Twilight of the Thunder God" reached number 50 on the US Billboard 200, number six in Germany, number 10 in Finland, number 11 in Sweden, number 14 in Austria, and number 21 in Switzerland. It was also ranked seventh in Revolver magazine's list of the year's top 20 albums.
In October 2008, Amon Amarth began a North American headlining tour with Ensiferum, Belphegor, and The Absence as supporting acts. The band returned to the United States in 2009 for further performances with Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, and Lazarus A.D., followed by a 2010 tour with Holy Grail and Eluveitie. In 2009, Amon Amarth received the Best Breakthrough Act award at Metal Hammer's Golden Gods Awards and supported Slayer on the European leg of the Unholy Alliance Chapter III tour. On 5 December 2009, the band headlined the Deccan Rock Festival in Bangalore, India, marking its first performance in the country.
On 30 November 2010, the band announced that its eighth studio album, "Surtur Rising", would be released in spring 2011. Drums were recorded at Park Studios, while bass and guitars were recorded at Fascination Street Studios. The album's first single, "War of the Gods", was released on 27 January 2011. "Surtur Rising" was released in North America on 29 March 2011. The band supported the album with a four-month world tour that included performances with Children of Bodom and Ensiferum.
Amon Amarth performed at Wacken Open Air in 2012 and appeared at Hellfest, Download Festival, Sweden Rock Festival, and Mayhem Festival in 2013.
The band's ninth studio album, "Deceiver of the Gods", was released on 25 June 2013. Its cover depicts the events of Ragnarök, the final battle involving the Æsir gods and Loki, accompanied by an army of the dead.
In 2014, Johan Hegg co-founded Grimfrost, a company producing and selling reproductions of Viking Age artefacts and other products inspired by Viking culture.
Departure of Fredrik Andersson and Jomsviking (2015-2017)
On 19 March 2015, Amon Amarth announced that drummer Fredrik Andersson had left the band after 17 years. Andersson subsequently stated that he had been forced out and attributed the dispute to the distribution of music royalties. He later apologised, explaining that his reaction had been based on an assumption that he would continue receiving residual payments after leaving the band.
The band's tenth studio album, "Jomsviking", was released on 25 March 2016. Former Vomitory drummer Tobias Gustafsson performed as a session musician during its recording.
To mark the album's release, Amon Amarth performed four small-scale concerts in London, Paris, Tilburg, and Berlin between 22 and 25 March 2016. In September and October, the band supported Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, and Metal Church on the Dystopia tour in the United States. It also headlined a tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, with Testament as special guests.
On 30 September 2016, the band announced Jocke Wallgren as its permanent drummer. In May 2017, Amon Amarth toured North America with Goatwhore as the supporting act.
In August 2017, guitarist Johan Söderberg stated that the band planned to begin writing its eleventh studio album after completing the touring cycle for "Jomsviking". The band also performed at Wacken Open Air that summer.
In October 2017, Johan Hegg joined the DJ roster of Gimme Radio. His programme, "Hammer of the North", featured music associated with Amon Amarth and selections from his personal listening preferences.
In November 2017, Ride & Crash Games partnered with Amon Amarth to release a video game titled "Amon Amarth", based on the band's songs and lyrics. The game was made available for iOS and Android devices.
Berserker (2018-2022)
On 7 January 2019, Amon Amarth announced that it had completed recording its eleventh studio album with producer Jay Ruston. The album was provisionally scheduled for release in spring 2019. Johan Hegg explained that he had waited until the music was finished before writing the lyrics, differing from the approach used on previous albums.
Although Hegg described the album as not being a concept album, he identified "Berserker at Stamford Bridge" and "The Shield Wall" as tracks. He explained that the lyrics addressed themes including solidarity during adversity and aspects of his personal life.
On 19 March 2019, the band released the single "Raven's Flight" and announced the album's title as "Berserker". The album was released on 3 May 2019. Its second single, "Crack the Sky", was accompanied by a music video released on 17 April 2019.
In May 2019, Amon Amarth participated in the North American leg of Slayer's farewell tour, alongside Lamb of God and Cannibal Corpse. The band also announced a North American headlining tour scheduled to begin in September, featuring Swedish bands Arch Enemy, At the Gates, and Grand Magus.
Later in 2019, Amon Amarth announced a South American tour with Powerwolf. The tour was scheduled to run from 28 February 2020, beginning in Brasilia, to 21 March in Bogota. However, it ended on 14 March following the Hell and Heaven Metal Fest in Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 28 May 2021, the band released a re-recorded version of "Masters of War" to mark the twentieth anniversary of its third studio album, "The Crusher".
On 16 February 2022, Amon Amarth released the standalone single "Put Your Back Into the Oar".
The Great Heathen Army (2022-2025)
In June 2022, Amon Amarth announced its twelfth studio album, "The Great Heathen Army", which was released on 5 August 2022. The album marked the first time since the band's debut that the group appeared on the cover of one of its studio albums. The announcement coincided with the release of a music video for the song "Get in the Ring", featuring professional wrestler Erick Redbeard of All Elite Wrestling.
In September and October 2022, Amon Amarth toured Europe with Machine Head as part of the Vikings and Lionhearts Tour.
In November and December 2022, the band headlined the Great Heathen Tour of North America, with Carcass, Obituary, and Cattle Decapitation as supporting acts.
In April and May 2024, Amon Amarth headlined the Metal Crushes All tour, supported by Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and Frozen Soul.
The All-Father Awakens (2026-present)
In April and May 2026, Amon Amarth toured with Dethklok, with Castle Rat as the supporting act. The band also performed at the Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, Florida, in May 2026.
On 23 July 2026, Amon Amarth announced its thirteenth studio album, "The All-Father Awakens", scheduled for release on 2 October 2026. The band released singles for the tracks "Gjallarhorn", "Upphaf", and "We Rule the Waves".
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amon_Amarth
Studio albums
Once Sent from the Golden Hall (1998)
The Avenger (1999)
The Crusher (2001)
Versus the World (2002)
Fate of Norns (2004)
With Oden on Our Side (2006)
Twilight of the Thunder God (2008)
Surtur Rising (2011)
Deceiver of the Gods (2013)
Jomsviking (2016)
Berserker (2019)
The Great Heathen Army (2022)
The Allfather Awakens (2026)
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…shrink me down again