The Great Heathen Army - Amon Amarth [CD]

Introduction

We, the Great Heathen Army... fight to the bitter end! Melodic death metal warriors who carry on the traditions of Viking history and Norse mythology! Our 12th studio album, filled with a heroic, ferocious sound and a unique worldview!

Melodic death metal band AMON AMARTH, whose worldview, inspired by Norse mythology and Vikings, has captivated not only their native Sweden but also Europe, North America, and Japan, will release their 12th studio album, "THE GREAT HEATHEN ARMY," three years after their previous album, "BERSERKER," which reached No. 5 in their homeland, No. 25 in the UK, and No. 47 in the US, this year, marking their 30th anniversary since their formation.

■An album created during the pandemic Johan Hegg (vocals) says: "I had a terrible time in South America, so I had to cancel my last couple of shows and go home. Initially, I thought I'd do a couple of tours to see how things went, but it quickly became clear that I wouldn't be able to do anything for a while. As the year approached, I thought, 'Enough is enough. There's no point in going back on the road with my old album. I'll just start working on a new record instead.' When you're faced with an obstacle—whether it's a pandemic or whatever—and there's no way around it, you just have to make a way. That's what the Vikings did. You can't stop fighting just because something's in your way."

■Title Referencing the Great Heathen Army This album isn't a concept album like their 10th album, "JOMSVIKING" (2016), but it reflects similar historical inspirations. "The Great Heathen Army," the album title and title track, refers to the Great Heathen Army, a collective of Nordic Vikings that invaded England, then ruled by Christian Anglo-Saxons, in 865 AD. While Vikings had long raided monasteries and other wealthy settlements, this Great Pagan Army was far larger, and unlike those raids, its goal was to conquer large swathes of England. They were an invading force, and they inflicted devastating damage on England. Johan Hegg states, "My wife Maria has been exploring the more esoteric aspects of Viking life and culture. Musically, I think there are some surprises that were uncharted territory for us. Overall, it's one of the heaviest albums we've ever made. There are dark, heavy songs, powerful, and surprising songs, but there are also songs that are full-on Amon Amarth. I think it's a really well-balanced album."

■SAXON Featured As the title suggests, the seventh track, "Saxons And Vikings," features Biff Byford (vocals), Paul Quinn (guitar), and Doug Scarratt (guitar) of the legendary NWOBHM band SAXON. Bill contributed vocals and lyrics. Paul and Doug contribute guitar solos.

■Produced by a renowned metal virtuoso once again Produced, mixed, and mastered by Andy Sneap, who currently serves as JUDAS PRIEST's touring guitarist and worked on AMON AMARTH's own 2016 10th album, "JOMSVIKING," as well as JUDAS PRIEST's 2018 album, "FIREPOWER."

■Massive tour in support of the album Over two months in September and October, AMON AMARTH will tour Europe on a co-headlining tour with MACHINE HEAD, dubbed the "Vikings and Lionhearts Tour 2022." Featuring fellow countrymen THE HALO EFFECT, the tour will then continue across the US in November and December, featuring special appearances by CARCASS and OBITUARY.

1. Get In The Ring 2. The Great Heathen Army 3. Heidrun 4. Oden Owns You All 5. Find A Way Or Make One 6. Dawn Of Norsemen 7. Saxons And Vikings 8. Skagul Rides With Me 9. The Serpent's Trail

Media Reviews and More

Amon Amarth, melodic death metal band Vikings, bring Norse mythology to the modern era! Filled with a heroic and ferocious sound and worldview, this is their 12th studio album and their first since moving to Victor! Produced, mixed, and mastered by Andy Sneap, who also worked on Judas Priest's albums and is the band's touring guitarist! (C)RS 4988002923052