With Oden on Our Side Reviews

• album of the year? maybe. instant classic at the least!

  
  By A2AK0V960RL7FA on 2006-10-16
  I noticed that this album is in the 600's on the best selling amazon list. That's pretty good for an underground metal band i would say. I'm glad that a good band is finally getting noticed. In case anyone doesn't know, Amon Amarth is a band that plays a style of death metal dubbed "viking metal". Their lyrics, their image, their music is based upon the epic soundscapes of vikings, norse mythology, and battles of honor and glory. They are much like their death metal cousins, bolt thrower, in that respect. While bolt thrower pummels us with brutal vocals and riffs everywhere, Amon Amarth throws in deep throat vocals (that can still be understood somehow; what an amazing singer they have!) and a melodic but heavy wall of sound....much like an approaching army! Over the last few releases, AA have gotten a bit more melodic than their earlier stuff but they get their point across just as well as ever.
  
  Their previous efffort, the fate of norns, was a good release but it was way too melodic and slow, even by AA standards. With this release, they pick up the pace quite a bit and once again find the perfect balance between heavy and melodic, epic and to the point.
  
  Tracks 3, 5, 6, and 9 are my favorites. 3 is easily the heaviest, fastest song on the album and it pummels you until the exact second it's over. Track 9 is a slower (but still retardely heavy) track that captures perfect the epic sound of AA. On this sound, you have the melodic guitar, the slower melodic parts, the heavier guitar with the faster, more crunchy parts. The vocals, drums, and bass on this song all come togther with the others and create a very strong song, one of AA's best. The atompshere on this song is very very dark and full of despair and hoplesness. I love it.
  
  

• With Oden On Our Side

  
  By AXF0OX50YZQC6 on 2007-04-11
  This is definately Amon Amarth's best album to date, and that is saying a lot. I've been a fan of these guys' Viking influenced Death metal for a long time. What really sets Amon Amarth apart from typical Death metal is the fact that they have a lot of melody to their work. There's a lot of high tremolo picking and whatnot. Don't get me wrong, there's still plenty of double bass to go around, there's just an overall epic feel to their sound. So what makes this album so special? It just seems as if they pushed their song writing up a few notches. You can pretty much understand their singer and everything he's saying. The solos have gotten alot better. These guys really set it off with this record! This is definately up there for one of the bests of 2006.
  
  

• Amon Amarth's Best!!

  
  By AV8Z0URT90O2H on 2006-11-02
  This album is amazing...Slower but very epic!!You do feel like you're getting ready for battle.It's a very melodic album.
  
  Valhall Awaits Me pumps you up, never gets boring.Every song is amazing.
  Cry Of The Blackbirds in my opinion is the best song on the album.
  
  

• The Horsemen of Amon Amarth Strike back with a vengence that will be felt for years to come

  
  By A2M4APKNG8LTLE on 2006-10-08
  i have all amon amarths cd and in my opinion this is there best, fate of norms was good, but it was missing something, they found it on this cd, and no it's not VS the WORLD 2, it's much better, hard to believe because that cd was amazing. this cd contains a good blend of fast and heavy songs mix with a few nice slow chuggers.
  
  now as much as i would like to point fingers and give my opinon which song is the best, that would be wrong on this cd, because all of the songs are of the highest caliber, and i havn't said that about a cd in years. it's just ashame there dvd came out before this cd, i would love to have seen some of these songs on it. by the way if you havn't picked up there dvd yet, you really should it amazing.
  
  the feel of this cd is dark, i know there cd are generally the same in terms of lyrics and viking conquest, but you can really feel it in this cd you just get the feel you are leaving your homeland boarding a ship and headed off to war to pillage and plunder on a ship full of amor clad warriors with sword in one hand and ale in the other.
  
  this cd has not left my car since i got the cd last week, and i'm not sure when it will, and this is my cd of choice for my ipod in the gym, seriously who can workout and listen to hip and and get motivated, i sure as heck cant. i'm sure i get some funny looks singing to the lyrics as i run and workout, good.
  
  in closing there has been a handful of good cd this year and a few great ones and a few suprises, but WITH ODEN ON OUR SIDE in my opinon you are going to be listening to the cd of the year no questions asked, the only thing i worry about is the bar has been set so high with this cd that the expectations of there next cd will be so high that it will be unreachable.
  
  but until that time we must revel in the glory that is WITH ODEN ON OUR SIDE, this cd is there pinnacle in my opinion, people will talk about this cd for years to come, i don't like using these comparsions often, but it is there master of puppets, or slaughter of the soul, get my point, in time this cd will become a classic.
  
  until we set sail on our next voyage of conquest, warriors of odin unite and spread the word that WITH ODEN ON OUR SIDE was sent from Valhalla itself , all hail Amon Amarth, cheers.
  
  
  
  
  

• Forged in Snow and Ice

  
  By A7ZNFUTBMSMHV on 2006-11-21
  One of the best metal albums of this decade. Second only to Vs The World for this band. Production quality is the best yet, and you can tell the band worked very hard to give us a true metal tour de force. Johan proves once again why he's one of the best in the business. His delivery is brutal, but somehow clear enough to understand, which is rare for a death vocalist. The Soderberg/Mikkonen guitar duo should get a grammy for this effort. These guys keep putting out pure, crystalline metal, album after album. And the rhythm section of Andersson and Lundstrom could not be tighter, providing the band that classic Amon Amarth "wall of sound."
  
  There are no bad tracks on this CD. Highlights are Runes to My Memory, with a great chorus riff that just sticks in your head; Gods of War, where the first 2 minutes alone are just glorious viking metal; Asator, unreal riffs; and With Oden On Our Side, which seems to raise the gods from their slumber by itself!
  
  Amon Amarth is able to do what many bands cannot- they innovate within their genre. These guys know where their strengths are and keep hammering away at it! Yet, their true gift is that they can give us these great epic metal assaults over and over without sounding stale. Each album is unique, but all are still connected with familiar themes: vikings, norse gods, battle and adventure. Combine this with some of the best riffs ever devised and you get classic metal for the ages.
  
  
  
  
• An Awesome Album from An Awesome Band
  By A1HDQX4PKPZBAQ on 2007-04-04
  I had never heard Amon Amarth until one song came on the tv (Cry of the Blackbirds). I bought the album and was blown away!! I did some research and found their music is based on Norse mythology and other religious beliefs. The lyrics are a bit strange because of that, but that does not take away from the awesome death metal riffs and smooth beat. It's totally deep sounding, dark, evil, and intimidating, yet intense and attractive at the same time. I listen to it and find myself head banging or moving with the rhythm. For a band I had never heard of before now, I am totally blown away by their sound, look, and total devotion to their beliefs. Awesome Band, Awesome Album.
  
  
• First Death Metal CD I 'Had' to Buy
  By A3E1N2J6DHGXL4 on 2007-09-10
  For those looking to corrupt your friends from 'normal' Heavy Metal to the darker side of Death Metal, this might be the perfect CD. My background is that I used to like all kinds of music (except Rap and Country), then started liking Queensryche a lot, then got hooked on Metal of all kinds (except Death and Black).
  
  My friend who hooked me on Metal, likes the heavier stuff, especially Death. I listened to it a few times but it never grabbed me. I didn't MIND it, as it became basically 'white noise' which worked fine as background music, but it wasn't anything I would have put into the CD player on my own.
  
  Then I saw this CD in a Borders'. Read a review of it on one of their various computers scattered around. Almost bought it, didn't, and asked my friend to bring it over sometime. Immediately on hearing it I knew I really liked the music. The vocals, well, they didn't grab me but the odd thing was I could understand them (the first time that's really happened).
  
  So I picked up the CD. I still can't listen to it over and over, and usually it gets put into a mix, but I _do_ like it. The melody of the guitars and drums workes very nicely, and the voice isn't too overpowering. Plus, the lyrics, if you read them, are well done and evocative. It only gets a 4 because I'm not very experienced in the genre and it's NOT one of my top 10 Metal CDs. As a crossover (from normal to Death metal) CD though, it might just rate a 5.
  
  
• Amazing
  By A3VR2PFVQ50Q27 on 2006-12-08
  Amon Amarth, everyone's favorite Viking warriors, have crafted what may be their best album ever. Of course, many purists will gasp at this statement and frantically search for their copies of "Once Sent From the Golden Hall," but the fact is that this album surpasses even that monumental achievement in almost every way. Combining the thick production and mid-paced epic glory of recent efforts with their more aggressive early days, "With Oden on our Side" is a varied album that shows Amon Amarth at their best. The lyrics are typical Amon Amarth - Vikings, death, Ragnarok, war, etc, and the style has not really changed much, but this album still rocks like no other. The vocals are now more understandable than ever, a definate plus, and the faster pieces (i.e. Asator) show AA can still shred with the best of them. Once again, however, it is the slower numbers (Runes to My Memory, Cry of the Blackbirds) where Amon Amarth really stand out, taking the listener to times long past of courage and glory. Easily one of the best albums of 2006.
  
  
• PREPARING FOR RAGNAROK!
  By A111N3UBPO8VV on 2006-12-09
  Truly amazing & inspiring!I'm not a big AA fan but this cd blew me away.BATHORY & THERION are good also,but this is a MUST LISTEN for fans of the genre.
  From a cultural perspective,this definately deserves a listen to.We(German,Nordic,Celtic)need to reflect on our heritage once and a while and AA transforms & transports
  us back to a time of our ancestors.I think a lot of people in our culture can't figure out what they want to be,because they don't even know who they are,what they are or where they are from!
  Who knows,"With Oden on Our Side"we can't go wrong!
  
  
  
• Polished. Brutal. Epic
  By A228RJJ75IX9HL on 2007-03-24
  All are words that could easily be used to describe the latest offering from Amon Amarth. WITH ODEN ON OUR SIDE (Metal Blade, 2006) is nearly forty-three minutes of monumental melodic death metal. Moving into a new studio and utilizing the talents of a fine producer (Jens Bogren - Opeth, Soilwork) proved worthwhile for the Viking warriors. This record has a much more consistent feel than 2004's FATE OF NORNS or 2002's VERSUS THE WORLD. Bogren's knob twisting adds a certain sheen to this record that makes it a must for headphone listening.
  
  The album opens with the driving crusher "Valhall Awaits Me". Johan Hegg's gravelly bellow is amazingly easy to understand and draws the listener into the unfolding battle. The thunderous drums and amazing guitar tones had me reaching to up the volume before getting to the first chorus.
  
  Other up-tempo highlights on this gem are "Asator", a straight up speedster that tips the horned-helmet to the band's Swedish death metal lineage, and "Runes to My Memory" a swift galloping ride into the next world.
  
  
  "Hermod's Ride to Hel", "Cry of the Blackbirds", and the title track fall squarely into the AA hymns of majesty category. Proud chants, all. My favorite track, however, is "Gods of War Arise". The storytelling is so articulate, so well done, that I actually catch myself hoping that the poor villagers about to be torn asunder die with dignity.
  
  The ability to continually create meaningful, relevant music from the same set of overriding themes is one element that sets AA apart from pack. Do yourself a favor and pick up one of the best sounding metal albums of 2006.
  
  
• Fortunate discovery
  By A3Q04YCOBGFBYN on 2007-05-13
  Not too long ago I was channel surfing on a Saturday night and had just gotten to "Headbangers Ball" when Amon Amarth came on. I'd never heard of this band before, (and I have to wonder why not??!!!) but they had my attention right then and there! A Metal Band with more than just a roaring lead singer and insane drums?! What the.....??? Wow!! I mean really.... I like Metal anyway, but even if you are not a Metal fan, there is a lot to be appreciated by what these guys bring to the table. It's just very unique! Viking Metal? Unusual, yes, but it makes for lyrics that are not the same old same old you hear a lot from other Metal Bands. Apart from that, the music itself and the true "headbanging speed" of these songs will get you hooked! And since I watched the video....the guys have some awsome "windmilling" skills!! My neck hurt just watching them! :) I bought (and of course listened to) the entire album, and there is not one piece on it that I did not like!
  
  
• Modern melodeath classic
  By ASVNSWIXBV72Q on 2008-04-05
  Amon Amarth sure took a different approach when the time came to write their newest album. It was a much more serious approach, as if the band finally decided to come together, concentrate, and gather ideas to make sure they got the exact sound they wanted. They decided to use a producer for the first time ever (the respectable and experienced Jens Bogren) instead of just an engineer, and the band members also quit their day jobs in order to devote all their energy to the new album's songwriting and take their time when recording it. So did all of this hard work pay off? Oh, yeah! "With Oden On Our Side" is, without a doubt, Amon Amarth `s heaviest and most focused, refined, intense, inspired, epic, and all-around strongest effort to date. This is the release that Amon Amarth have been trying to put out ever since they first started making music well over a decade ago. Indeed, it is definitely safe to say that this Swedish fivesome have officially achieved true greatness.
  
  "With Oden On Our Side" is filled with all the usual Amon Amarth goodies: superb melodic solos, tasty harmonic leads, and gruff yet intelligible vocals. Great riffs, too. The guitarists never lose sight of the groove, and they create a virtual symphony of guitar licks (melodic, slow and heavy, fast and aggressive, and some that border on brutal) which are utilized for maximum variety. Yes, they might be fairly simplistic, but they are superbly strong and meaty, and they build off each other and flow together really well. The album's main focus, though, is on good, mature, and powerful songwriting. The result is nine well-crafted, instantly memorable songs that are epic without being overly long, and always include plenty of irresistable hooks (which are frequently among the best you will hear in death metal), dynamics, texture, atmosphere, unexpected twists, tempo variation, and fairly intelligent, war-themed lyrics.
  
  Frontman Johan Hegg's trademark growls do battle against strong, memorable, churning riffs and interlocking double bass thumps to create "Valhall Awaits Me," a very rhythmic and headbangable album opener, and one that should a concert favorite in the near future. "Runes To My Memory" works similarly, with hefty, powerful riffing and a stomping drum beat, and gradually gains quite a bit of speed and momentum. This song is different, though, because it also features well-placed guitar harmonies, effortlessly contagious, melodic choruses, and memorable lyrics. Later on, "Gods of War Arise" and the title track are two classic-sounding Amon Amarth tunes, as is the catchy battlefield march-vibe of the set closer, "Prediction of Warfare."
  
  The remainder of the songs, however, find the band stepping out of the box a little, and being a little experimental. For example, on "Asator" and "Cry of the Black Birds," the Swedish quintet lets it rip with surprisingly thrashy tempos and blistering leads (and, in the case of the latter, pounding, almost blast beat-esque drumming, too.) Elsewhere, "Hermod's Ride to Hell: Loke's Treachery Part 1" is a slowly building, epic hymn with a very dark, restrained and ominous mood. It's bolstered by chunky, mid-tempo, galloping, and sometimes booming power chords and slow, insidious, spoken word-ish vocals. The song lightens up some, though, because a wealth of wonderful melodic licks are sprinkled into the mix. Finally, track eight, "Under the Northern Star," is equally as mellow, and just might be the most melodic song this band has ever recorded. It's highlighted by a gorgeous, soaring solo, chilling lyrics, and deliciously clean guitar leads that carry the song and might very well stick in the listener's head for days to come.
  
  It is fairly hard to put one's finger on exactly what category "With Oden On Our Side" falls under for sure. It is primarily a melodic death metal album, but it could sure be argued that it falls more in line with Viking, epic, folk, and/or traditional death metal. And it also has undeniable traces of black, speed, gothic, and doom metal. But it really doesn't matter what genre you choose to say it is, just as long as you don't call it anything besides an excellent record, and Amon Amarth's masterwork. In short: all killer, no filler.
  
  
• Bear skin on my back, wolfs jaw on my head!!!
  By A1M2R94KWXQAMT on 2006-10-03
  I've loved this band since I heard "Once sent from the golden hall" way back when... I gotta first say that they absolutely couldn't make a bad album if they tried to... something that most metal bands today could only dream of. Every one of their albums has their "sound", but is also different, and memorable. So upon purchasing this, the very day it came out no less, I expected to enjoy it... I wasn't expecting it to be their absolute best album to date though, which imo, it is... the songs will be permanently burned into your brain forever and the lyrics are the best so far as well... Very rarely is a bands latest effort the place to start if you've never heard them, but in this case I don't think you could go wrong here. This album will make you a fan and have you diving head first into their back catalog if you're any kind of metalhead... AMON AMARTH rules!!!
  
  
• Amon Amarth keeps getting better
  By AON9OMQC7WIK4 on 2006-10-10
  Amon Amarth continues to improve their song writing without sacrificing any of their ferocity.Johann has become my favorite Death/Black metal vocalist.If you are new to Amon Amarth this is as good a place to start as any. Once sent from the Golden Hall is a fantastic album, but I think if you prefer more variety this is the album for you.
  
  
• Doesn't Disappoint
  By A138SF1VWVXXPS on 2007-03-02
  Amon Amarth really does amaze me at times. They are so far into their career and yet are still creating some of the best melodic death metal around. With Oden On Our Side is definitely my favorite album from 2006. It's a perfect mix of brutality and melody. A step up from the last album for sure.
  
  1. Valhall Awaits Me - 5/5
  2. Runes To My Memory - 5/5
  3. Asator - 4/5
  4. Hermod's Ride to Hel: Loke's Treachery Pt 1 - 4/5
  5. Gods Of War Arise - 5/5
  6. With Oden On Our Side - 4/5
  7. Cry Of The Black Birds - 5/5
  8. Under The Northern Star - 4/5
  9. Prediction Of Warfare - 3.5/5
  
  
• Cry of the Black Birds
  By A31EHFOUPD24SR on 2007-11-23
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3U0Y5DY4R33AM Oden is a superb album, much like the rest of Amon Amarth's work. The one thing that makes this album stand apart is imply the production value has increased. The tracks sound clearer and crisper and the editing is superb.
  
  I advise anyone whom has heard and liked any older Amon Amarth albums to pick this up immediately. Fans of Death, Viking, Power, Thrash and even Black Metal styles can enjoy this. Don't get me wrong nothing on this album signifies Amon Amarth as the most talented band around but I can safely say they are and possible will always be one of the most faithful to their style.
  
  Releasing solid album one after the next its no wonder they have garnered so much fame and they deserve every ounce as they have yet to use that new found power to sell out. They continue to stick true to their roots and I am one to commend them for that so for the love of metal go buy this album! Support a band that supports your scene!
  
  Included is the music video for the single 'Cry of the Black Birds' off of Amon Amarth's hit Viking/Death Metal album With Oden on our Side. Enjoy!
  
  
• They just keep gettin better!!!
  By A5JOYULOFLLZF on 2006-10-04
  Well if you like Amon Amarth then this is a must buy. Play it loud there is not a bad song on here at all. The only gripe I had was the place they choose to put the second disc right in between two pieces of card board under the cd tray at first i thought there was a screw up and they forgot to include it or it was on the first disc but it was just hidden where i wouldnt have expected it. Hail Oden!!!
  
  
• What An Awesome Group!!
  By A2XAC09CY3F1C4 on 2006-10-04
  I got into this band after they put out Vs. The World. Fate Of Norns was a bit slower but great non-the-less. I think they are back to being somewhat heavier on this one. Not a bad song on the disc either once again. I haven't even got to the bonus CD yet.
  
  All hail These modern-day vikings!!
  
  
• One of the best metal albums I've ever heard...
  By A2CVZBZCNCKPW0 on 2006-10-16
  I've been a big fan of Amon Amarth for a couple years now, but this album is by far their best work yet. Every track is just amazing.
  
  The recording seems more refined and "clean" than their previous albums (its much easier to hear each instrument and each tone, beat and word), while the music is still extremely complex. Most importantly it sounds excellent. Every track is memorable.
  
  My favorites are Asator, Valhall Awaits Me and Runes to My Memory, but the whole CD is every bit as good.
  
  I'm not into all kinds of death metal (not really into Cannibal Corpse or Deicide or other bands like that) but this band is phenomenal. Their music is organized and complex and the vocalist can put out some of the best growls and screams in metal while still being totaly clear.
  
  I highly recommend this album to fans of any kind of metal... even if you dont normally listen to death metal, give this a try. You wont regret it.
  
  
• very nice
  By A2YH1OFH3OSG0O on 2006-12-24
  Great album if your into melodic death metal. musically this album is great, a bit slower paced and melodic than their earlier stuff but just as good if not one of there best releases. Hegg's vocals are one of the best in the genre, and amazingly he's understandable most of the time while still being brutal. favorite songs are Runes to my memory, astapor, gods of war arise, and cry of the blackbirds, although all the songs are good, no a bad one on here.
  
  
• Amon Amarth Review
  By ANVTIAT8JYCDS on 2007-03-08
  The song "Runes to my Memory" is the hook that made me buy the CD.
  They are great contributors to the Scandiavian Black Metal scene. They remind me of Borknagar with their inspirational and dashing use of synthesizers.
  
  
• Viking Quest
  By A1COHYGHV0RRSB on 2006-10-11
  I'd have to say this album pretty much rules, and what not, and stuff. So if your considering a purchase of the above title, thou shall not go wrong. It's a glorious epic journey through the viking hinderland.
  
  
• Another Solid CD from The Norse Gods
  By APZHJ54U2VMUX on 2006-12-22
  Amon Amarth is one of the last bands out that I still get excited about when a new release is coming out. With Oden on Our Side does not disapoint me at all. Every song is solid. The vocals are mixed perfectly so they are not too loud and out front. The drums and guitar sound amazing. Thank You Metal Blade for signing this great band and funding them with enough cash so they can put out such an amazing sounding CD. I still have not seen Amoth Amarth live but I will try and see them if they come through NYC. Great Work Guy's. Keep it up! Hail Odin!
  
  
• GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By A3HOVYWOXPKAAD on 2007-01-10
  Amon Amarth is doing what they do best! Making great music! This album is great start to finish!
  
  
• Pure Death Metal
  By A2Q69PFUGW9HIE on 2007-01-27
  This album blew me away. I'm not a huge follower of death metal these days but this album really revitalizes the genre. The whole Norseman theme these guys take on is very fitting to them and their sound; the lyrics are worth listening to. There's nothing I would change about this album. It has that "rise" feeling to it that most death metal bands seem to lack.
  
  
• Best metal album of 2006!
  By A2WKXB269I3ZA5 on 2007-02-19
  Just like the title says, this was the best metal album released in 2006. I recommend this CD for any metal fan.
  
  
• Some godly death metal
  By A10IDVD9INU6FP on 2007-09-04
  This quite possibly has risen to be one of my favorite albums that I own and I literally listen to this album and band pretty much every day and they just don't seem to grow old, everyday I become a bigger fan of Amon Amarth.
  
  With Oden On Our Side combines great melodic, violent and sometimes ambient from Amon Amarth. Most of the songs are based on Norse mythology and brutal songs of murder and war. Johan Hegg has a very brutal growl but his vocals are easy to decipher than other death metal vocals. Olavi Mikkonan and Johan deliver some great melodic riffs and better solos on this one. Fredrik Andersson does not go overboard with the double bass but there is plenty of well mathed use of it and Ted Lundstom has good bass-lines.
  
  My favorite songs are Cry of the Blackbirds(reason enough to get this album) Runes to my Memory, Valhall Awaits me, With oden on our side, Gods of war Arise, Prediction of Warfare and Under the Northern Star.
  
  Get this album.
  
  
• Not very fast but still good
  By A35B9ZBANKZ0UT on 2007-09-19
  I have not heard their other albums but this one sounded good to me. The tempo stayed in the medium to fast range and the harmonies added a lot of depth to the album. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing too complex to be found but even simple arrangments can sound good if done right.
  
  
• Super Death Album.
  By A1506HBGQCRHHO on 2008-01-11
  Perfect Album. Tek kelimeyle super bir death album. Melodik altyapý uzerine oturtulmus nispeten yavas, keskin bir death/trash sound.
  
  If you like death/trash music then Just buy it.
  
  No regret.
  
  
• Great Metal Album
  By A2UI96WJHHOU1D on 2008-03-17
  Just an all around solid metal album. picked it up after hearing "runes to my memory." enjoyed all of the songs on here, particularily tracks 3 and 6. one particularily cool thing about Amon Amarth is that the lead vocalist Johan Hegg's screams are actually pretty easy to understand
  
  

• Fate of Norns
• Versus the World
• Twilight of the Thunder God
• The Crusher
• Once Sent From the Golden Hall