Amon Amarth – Twilight of the Thunder God
Metal Blade Records

(5/5)

The kings of Viking metal are back and better than ever! Amon Amarth’s newest Metal Blade Records release, Twilight of the Thunder God, is amazing! I didn’t think it could happen, but Amon Amarth has proved, once again, that they can take themselves to a whole new level of awesomeness. The first thing I have to point out in this newest album is the use of guitar solos. I can honestly say that this is the first time I’ve ever heard distinct guitar solos as well as the beautifully written rhythmic patterns. This new addition really adds a whole new dimension to the material and helps separate this album from all the rest of Amon Amarth’s material. Another good point for this album is Johan Hegg’s vocals. Absolute brutality. That’s all there is to it. As far as overall tracks go, I have to say my two favorites are “Twilight of the Thunder God (feat. Roope Latvala of Children of Bodom and Sinergy)” (Title track/Track 1) and “Guardians of Asgaard(feat. Lars Göran Petrov of Entombed)” (Track 3). These two tracks really continue the true rhythmic style of Amon Amarth and also utilize the well placed guitar solos. As an overall album, I definitely love it and recommend it to anyone who needs to feel closer to the Vikings of old!

On a side note, I must say that the cover art for the album is the one of the tops from Amon Amarth as well. It definitely accents the overall feeling of the album.

Equilibrium – Sagas
Nuclear Blast Records

(4/5)

The mythological side of Metal is striking Rock In Review once again with Equilibrium’s Nuclear Blast Records debut album entitled Sagas. Equilibrium could be put into a few different categories because of the different influences they put into their music, but I think Viking metal or Symphonic Black metal suits them best. However, Folk metal and Pagan metal are not too far off because of their use of flutes, strings, and riffs that reflect traditional Germanic melodies. Either way, this band is awesome! Just like Eluveitie, Equilibrium is on the heavier side of the more Folk style of Metal using lots of electric guitar parts, double bass, and the screaming style of vocals. As far as the tracks on the album goes, I would suggest listening to “Snüffel” (Track 6), “Die Weide und der Fluß” (Track 9), and “Mana” (Track 13). These three tracks are good examples of how Equilibrium sounds. Out of the the three, “Mana” is probably my favorite because it’s just over 16 minutes long and it really shows the band’s musical talents since it’s completely instrumental. Overall, Sagas is a great album for fans of Viking metal, Pagan metal, Symphonic Black metal, and the heavier end of Folk metal.