Amon Amarth METAL CRUSHES TOUR

May 31, 2024 Sunray Magazine

On May 23rd, Phoenix, Arizona, became the epicenter of metal mayhem as Amon Amarth descended upon the desert city with their monumental “Metal Crushes All Tour”. But the Viking horde didn´t arrive empty-handed for the grand feast of metal that awaited.

Kicking off the evening was Frozen Souls hailing from Texas, wielding their icy brand of death metal in support of their acclaimed album, “Glacial Domination”. For those unfamiliar with Frozen Souls; bone-chilling sound, I recommend starting with their track “Crypt of Ice”. Drawing inspiration from the depths of American death metal, Frozen Souls served up a sonic feast characterized by bone- rattling drop tunings, chuggy riffs, and a relentless barrage of double bass. It was my inaugural encounter with Frozen Souls, but their blistering performance left an indelible mark, ensuring that it won´t be my last.

Next on the menu was Obituary, the air crackled with anticipation among metal enthusiasts, knowing they were about to witness something truly extraordinary. The seasoned veterans of death metal didn´t disappoint, delivering a performance that seemed to defy the constraints of time itself. Commanding the audience´s unwavering attention, Obituary´s raw power and impeccable execution showed why they are masters at the craft of Death Metal. I got lost during the set, but ending with “Dying of Everything” was a personal and crowd highlight.

Leading to the main course was the Iconic Cannibal Corpse. Picking up and furthering the sounds of “Autopsy” and “Death”. Frontman George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher remains a force of nature, headbanging with the same ferocity and passion that defined his presence in the late 80s, captivating audiences with his commanding stage presence. Yet, amidst the relentless onslaught of bone-crushing riffs and guttural vocals, Cannibal Corpse reveals a subtle tongue- in-cheek humor woven into their lyrics, adding an unexpected layer of depth to their already formidable sound.

The entree for the night´s feast, Amon Amarth transformed the stage into a Viking spectacle, complete with towering 30-foot Viking statues and imposing longships, setting the tone for an epic metal journey. Yet, for Amon Amarth, the theatrical display was just the beginning. As the band unleashed their formidable sound, they embarked on a musical odyssey spanning their illustrious career. From the thunderous riffs of their early albums to the more anthemic melodies of their later works, Amon Amarth delved into every era of their extensive discography, ensuring that every fan, whether a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, found something to revel in. The setlist was a meticulously crafted tapestry, weaving together mosh pit favorites like “Raise Your Horns”; with crowd singalongs such as “Put Your Back into the Oar”; With each pounding drumbeat and each soaring guitar riff, the entire crowd became a unified force, chanting along with the band´s tales of Viking conquests and epic battles. It was more than just a concert. It was a communal celebration of metal, where fans raised their horns and sang with the fervor of warriors rowing into the fray.