The newly renovated Hi Fi Bar (formerly the Forum) at the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter is no more, after Amon Amarth laid waste to it with a glorious performance of Viking-themed thrash/death metal. Now in their 20th year, Amon Amarth are stronger than ever, although that has not transferred to bigger album sales and bigger tours – largely because they do play a more traditional brand of heavy metal, which is currently being overshadowed by hardcore and emo.
The new album Surtur Rising is a worthy follow-up to the massive monster that was Twilight Of The Thunder God, and a few choice cuts were on display tonight. The highlights were definitely the twisted berserker rage of Destroyer Of The Universe and the melodic blast of For Victory Or Death. And opening the night, Suturs opening track War Of The Gods was a declaration of intent from Amon Amarth; they were here to rock the fuck out.
As expected, the biggest crowd response and sing-along was reserved for the jaw-dropping anthem Death In Fire – but the galloping tempo of Valhall Awaits Me and Bleed For Ancient Gods had headbanging aplenty. The brutally savage Cry Of The Black Birds and The Hero was all fist-pumping and cheering. When Amon Amarth served the final body blow with an encore featuring the scorching riffage Twilight Of The Thunder God and Guardians Of Asgaard, it was truly appreciated by everyone in attendance.
Amon Amarth delivered what will prove to be one of the slickest and heaviest gigs of the year. After witnessing such an awesome display of inspiring war metal, one left the Hi Fi pumped up, ready to rape, burn and pillage – that’s not what we do these days, so maybe it’s best to do it via something appropriate like World Of Warcraft – For the Horde!
Setlist;
War of the Gods
Runes to My Memory
Destroyer of the Universe
Live Without Regrets
Thousand Years of Oppression
The Pursuit of Vikings
For Victory or Death
The Hero
Valhall Awaits Me
Slaves of Fear
The Fate of Norns
Bleed for Ancient Gods
Under the Northern Star
Free Will Sacrifice
Cry of the Black Birds
Death in Fire
Victorious March
Encore:
Twilight of the Thunder God
Guardians of Asgaard
