[.ca] The Crusher

Twisted, scary fun:
This is the first Swedish metal album I've ever heard, and I came away impressed. Amon Amarth mix top-notch songcraft with a brutal frontal assault on the ears. This album basically consists of crashing waves of sound augmented by throaty vocals that almost sound like vomiting. The big, sweeping guitars, fast and persistent basslines and technical drum-smashing all contribute to this album's big, epic sound. These songs are extremely energetic, and great for anyone in a violent mood.

Great, Brutal Nordic Metal:
It's interesting to still see that even in modern times, bands are still writing material about Nordic gods and warlords wreaking havoc upon infidels and enemies alike. This album by Amon Amarth stands out in that it is both incredibly brutal and yet has a very strong underlying message: infidels and heathens (especially christians) should prepare for an ultimate reckoning at the hands of Odin and all his comrades. This album does not let up after you first push play, and it truly makes you wish you were on some hill in the days of old leading hordes of Nordic savages and vikings down upon those who dare to test your wrath with their devotions. On top of all this, the production is top quality. The clarity of the instruments and vocals are superb, and this album all around further enforces the fact that the Scandinavians are still leaders in phenomenal metal. I highly recommend this to anyone who's a fan of absolutely relentless, brutal metal in the Nordic vein.

Good Nordic Metal album:
I am not going to say that Amon Amarth is the most innovative band in the metal genre today, but they do have some brutal and technical aspects that make this band a respectable one. As another reviewer said, it has creates an atmosphere that makes it seem as if you want to join the Nordic savages and vikings on their quests. Which always can make you feel good :) The brutality throughout the entire album never lets up, and the production is good. Johan Hegg, the vocalist, does well with his lyrics and vocals, and the guitarists and drummer seem to be talented. I cannot compare The Crusher to Amon Amarth's other albums, as I have not yet heard them. I hear that Amon Amarth doesn't vary much from album to album, which can be either good or bad. In this case, I think it wouldn't be too bad, because Amon Amarth seems to be good at what they do, after hearing The Crusher, anyway. My only complaint would be that some of the songs can get a little repitive, but this is a minor flaw. All in all a recommended album for all extreme metal fans.

Excellent viking death metal:
Amon Amarth is something of a cross between nordic, "Viking black metal" and melodic death metal. The vocals are more of a death roar and growl while the music, and subject matter, belongs in the black metal world. This cd is ten tracks of powerful, loud, and epic, fury. Don't let the cover art turn you off (I almost didn't buy the cd because the album art is so cheesy). This is intense, beautiful epic music with a streak of brutality. My only real beef with the cd is that it's too short. The whole thing is only 49 minutes long, so it feels like it ends abruptly. The lyrics deal with such subjects as Vikings, war, anti-Christianity in general, and murder (always, of course, "justified" for religious reasons). Philosophically, you don't have to agree with what the band thinks (murder people for their religion? How...Christian!) to recognize the greatness of the music. Indeed anyone with half a brain is aware that nobody deserves persecution for their religion. But hey, it sells and it makes good music. Asatruers across the world get a bad name from the people who pervert the religion this way, so it's important to remember that this take on the Asatru philosophy (for the record, I am not an Asatruer) represents unresolved Oedipus complexes more than insightful thought or religion, but you can still be enormously entertained by the music. Album highlights: As Long as the Raven Flies, Annihilation of Hammerfest, and The Fall Through Ginnungagap.

Amon Amarth "The Crusher":
First of all, I love the way the Amazon editors misclassify, and at times, are just flat out uninformed when it comes to the albums they review. Like calling Dimmu Borgir's album "great death metal." Yeah, that's a genius remark for sure. You guys need to hire somebody who actually knows what they're talking about. Now to the Amon Amarth album at hand...Unfortunately, Martin Lopez did not continue playing with Amon Amarth, his drumming is superb. That doesn't really effect the quality of Amon Amarth's music, however, as The Crusher proves to be the strongest, most aggressive album thus far. Johan Hegg relies mostly on his battle-screams, while the band concentrates on crushing, semi-melodic death metal riffs and blasts. After you buy "Versus The World", get The Crusher. Or better yet, order them at the same time. Standout Tracks: Annihilation Of Hammerfest, Bastards Of A Lying Breed, Masters Of War, As Long As The Raven Flies, The Sound Of Eight Hooves

	Custom Search