Sweden’s Amon Amarth have recently announced that they are going to be joining Pantera on their tour across the US. The tour is going to begin on July 15th in Pennsylvania, before coming to an end on September 13th.
Amon Amarth are said to be bringing their biggest production yet, with plenty of pyrotechnics, reenacted Viking battles, and mind-blowing stage visuals.
The Popularity of Vikings in Modern Media
Even though Bathory were once credited as the pioneer of Viking metal, Amon Amarth has helped to bring it to the forefront of modern metal music. One reason why Amon Amarth stands out so much is because they interweave history and mythology throughout all of their songs. With titles including Twilight of the Thunder God, Guardians of Asgaard and the Berserker at Stamford Bridge, they have helped to highlight the power and undeniable appeal of the Norse people.
This, combined with releases such as the Vikings TV show has helped people to connect with the Viking age in whole new ways. Even games are exploring the concept of Vikings, with Civilization 6 giving people the chance to take control of Harald of Norway. In other verticals, like iGaming, you have the Megaways casino game, Gods of Asgard, along with other Viking-themed titles such as Revenge of Loki Megaways. Titles like this include symbols that range from tankards of ale to Viking horns and Mjölnir, the iconic hammer of the Norse god, Thor.
When you break down how much the Viking era is being represented in modern media right now, including television shows and games, it’s not hard to see why Amon Amarth are finally catching their big break. The band, who formed in 1992, have recently embarked on their biggest tours yet, and with them now supporting Pantera, it’s safe to say that they are entering the biggest era of their musical career.
A New Album is Underway
The band has been incredibly busy as of late, with a new album underway. Frontman Johan Hegg has said that he is currently working on a follow-up to the Great Heathen Army, which was released in 2022. The band has been working on some lyrics and potential musical angles but wants to make sure that they are honing in on new and interesting stories that they might not have covered before.
Hegg believes that The Great Heathen Army was one of their heaviest albums to date, but at the same time, it still contains the trademark melody that the band is known for. The band worked with record producer Andy Sneap and hoped to work with him again for the new album. Even though their latest album did well, it was Twilight of the Thunder God that put them on the map, with chuggy guitars, and iconic hits that encompassed the true spirit of being a Viking. The album, which came out in 2008, included hits like Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags as well as No Fear for the Setting Sun.
Regardless of what the new album is going to be like, one thing is certain, Amon Amarth have always packed a punch, and their tour with Pantera is certainly going to help highlight the band’s potential.
