God, His Son and Holy Whore - Amon Amarth, Lopez, Martin
Metalwrath
Legend of a Banished Man
Digitally remastered and expanded two CD edition of the Swedish Metal band's 1999 featuring bonus tracks on Disc One plus a live performance of the album in it's entirety on Disc Two. Live shows were recorded between Dec ... more »28th and Dec 31st in 2008 at Club Zeche Bochum. Century Media. 2009.« less
Digitally remastered and expanded two CD edition of the Swedish Metal band's 1999 featuring bonus tracks on Disc One plus a live performance of the album in it's entirety on Disc Two. Live shows were recorded between Dec 28th and Dec 31st in 2008 at Club Zeche Bochum. Century Media. 2009.
"this cd is easily the equal of once sent from the golden hall. It's probably the best viking metal cd released to date. My only complaint is the length. the cd is only 36 minutes long. The songs contained within these 36 minutes however are terrific. I've never heard something so heavy yet so melodic. the only thing which comes close is Opeth or in flames. The new drummer more than adequatley fills in for Martin lopez and the band is now actually a full quintet. I reccomend this cd for anyone who likes metal especially those who like WAR"
I Hail Ye, O' Avenger
soulscythe | Orlando, FL United States | 12/14/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It does not come often that I award 5 stars to an album, and when I do it means that I have found something truly special! Although initially averted from the sound, I gave these Swedes a chance and was thoroughly rewarded with one of the best metal recordings I have found in a long time.At first listen, Amon Amarth's music may sound like a buch of noise (I originally made this mistake). But when one listens to the works, it is evident that a lot of intelligent composition has been drawn upon to write these great pieces. Instead of relying on a lead guitarist and synths for melody (as in the great Children of Bodom), Amon Amarth form complex melodies via the clever use of chords. And these are not your grandfather's chords either! The progressions are lenghty and quite melodical. Amon Amarth have definitely one of the deepest and fullest sounds in the Euro metal scene today...'The Avenger' is Amon Amarth's sophomore release and continues to build on the great debut 'Once Sent From the Golden Halls.' Now, I will refrain from basing my review on the core beliefs of the band's members as they really do not have anything to do with the music (vocals are another matter- intelligent discourse on Pagan beliefs, frustrations, mythology, etc).I am currently listening to "North Sea Storm" and cannot help but smile at the beauty of brutality! The song has about three or four different movements and a handful of melodic paces. "Bleed for Ancient Gods", "The Last With Pagan Blood", "God, His Son and Holy Whore" are other songs that stand the test of time. The only song I don't have much attachment to, though, is the title track "Avenger."I pride myself on being one to go out and give countless unheard metal talent a chance in case of finding hidden treasures! This album is definitely a motherload of great music and I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great new band... and Amon Amarth have not even reached their peak yet!"
Music to Pillage by
That One Guy | 11/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My God, Amon Amarth simply cannot go wrong. They have a certain formula that is utterly untouchable by others. Im a fan of the old saying "If it aint broke, then dont try to fix it" I hope their next album utilizes the sam formula. And just for the record, the vocals are harsh, growling and shrieking. If you can't take, then go to the Korn and Limp Bizkit pages and buy that crap. Get out of the extreme pages, because chances are,you are a trendy kornalike or you are too old. Back to the album now. The songs Bleed for Ancient Gods and Last with Pagan Blood are simply masterpieces. Metalwrath describes how there are bands out there that simply suck(Korn, Limp Bizkit, Staind, Sevendust, Slipknot, Spineshank). Needless to say, these bands should here this song. North Sea Storm is also classic brutal death metal with a little hint of melody. This cd is not for the faint of heart, but if you like it brutal, violent, and with no influence from money or record labels or MTV, then this is for you. Worth the price of admission for Last with Pagan Blood alone. Perfect."
Amon Amarth Rules!
Whitby | NJ | 07/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fine death metal with a psuedo-atmosphereic and even black edge to it. The beautiful guitar melodies and harmonies are great. The drumming is tight as hell. The vocalist is quite versatile, his voice rangind to a low growl to a higher shriek. The listening experience creates a mideavil milleu that brought me back the dark ages. When reading along in the liner notes(the vocals are great, but uncomprehendable), the music tells stories of battle and such. As for the vocal converation(check the previous reviews), there are few points to be made. Yes, if you don't like screechs and grows, then maybe this isn't for you. But, this doesn't mean you must abandon metal. Bruce Dickenson(you should know who this is!) may possibly be the greatest metal vocalist ever."
Good, but a step down
Lev | 12/16/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I love amon amarths form of death/viking metal, but once sent was far superior to the avenger. A little longer, a little more technical, and a little more melodically interesting, all these things once sent from the golden hall was. With drummer martin lopez gone for opeth, the technicality of the music definatley suffers. The sound quality sounds somewhat weaker, the lyrics a little more uninteresting and the guitar riffs less eoically melodic. Still a very good cd, especially the 1st 3 tracks, but the title track is worthless, and all around, it is definatley a step in the wrong direction for amon amarth."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
