Viking Metal juggernaut Amon Amarth continues to be a force to be reckoned with. While they haven’t announced any new albums on the horizon, 2023 and 2024 have been busy years for the band, with a recent EP release, a completed North American tour, and their ongoing European tour with Machine Head.
Metal Crushes All Tour 2024
Fresh off their successful co-headlining tour with Ghost in Summer 2023, Amon Amarth embarked on their own massive North American headline tour, the “Metal Crushes All Tour 2024,” which kicked off in late April. Joined by death metal legends Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and up-and-coming thrashers Frozen Soul, the tour is currently crisscrossing the continent, bringing their brand of Viking-themed brutality to cities across the US and Canada. The tour includes a stop at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, a testament to the band’s growing popularity.
This tour serves as a double celebration. Not only is it Amon Amarth’s biggest North American headline run to date, but it’s also in support of their critically acclaimed 2022 album, “The Great Heathen Army.” The album, praised for its powerful riffs, Johan Hegg’s signature vocals, and its exploration of Norse mythology, continues to be a staple in their live setlist. Fans can expect to hear tracks like the epic “Oden Owns You All” and the fist-pumping anthem “Find a Way or Make One” alongside classics like “Twilight of the Thunder God” and “Raise Your Horns.”
A Look Back: 2023 Releases and Anniversary
While there’s no new full-length on the horizon, Amon Amarth kept fans satiated in 2023 with the release of a special digital-only EP titled “Heidrun.” This four-track offering featured a remixed version of the title track from “The Great Heathen Army” alongside a surprising cover of Bathory’s “One Rode to Asa Bay” – a nod to the band’s early influences. The EP also included a previously unreleased instrumental track and the show-stealer: a guest vocal appearance by a goat on the aptly titled “Goats of War.” This unexpected addition showcased the band’s sense of humor and their ability to keep things fresh.
On a more serious note, 2023 also marked the 10th anniversary of Amon Amarth’s highly successful album “Deceiver of the Gods.” This landmark record solidified the band’s position as one of the leading forces in the metal scene, with tracks like “Guardians of Asgard” and “Deceiver of the Gods” becoming instant classics. While there haven’t been any official celebrations for the anniversary, some fans are speculating that a special re-release or a tour focusing on the album’s tracks could be in the works.
The Future of Amon Amarth
With a successful tour underway and a loyal fanbase, Amon Amarth shows no signs of slowing down. While details about new music remain under wraps, the band’s social media presence continues to be active, teasing behind-the-scenes glimpses from tour life and cryptic messages that hint at future endeavors. Whether it’s a new album announcement, a special live experience, or perhaps even a foray into other creative ventures, one thing is certain: Amon Amarth will continue to raise horns, crush metal, and keep the spirit of Viking mythology alive for years to come.
In the meantime, fans can catch them live on their current European tour with Machine Head, or relive the glory of “The Great Heathen Army” and their extensive discography. With their unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to consistently deliver high-octane live shows, Amon Amarth remains a must-see for any metalhead.
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