I was inspired to write this after having listened to "The World" on NPR. They usually feature a musical group and after listening for a few years I found that none of it interested me so I am writing my own review about a world wide band. My suggestion is not to the "norm" as far as NPR goes but give it a chance. Expand your mind.
Amon Amarth
Amon Amarth is a melodic death metal band from Tumba, Sweden. They formed in 1992 and released their first demo, The Arrival of Fumbul Winter, in 1994. It sold 1,000 copies in the first 12 hours. After signing with Metal Blade Records in 1998, they released the album, "Once Sent from the Golden Hall." The success of this album sent their popularity soaring worldwide and sparked multiple U.S. and World tours, 3 music videos and features in over 100 metal magazines worldwide. Their most distinct trait is that all of their songs are based on Norse Mythiology and are often sung threw the eyes of a Viking. They consist of 5 members; Fredrik Andersson (drums), Johan Hegg (vocals), John Söderberg (guitar), Olavi Mikkonen (guitar) and Ted Lundström (bass).
Their most recent and eighth release, "With Oden on our Side," was released on September 22, 2006.
I know most of you cringed when I said they were a death metal band. I urge you to take a listen to one of their songs. I can almost garuntee that "death metal" is not what you think it is. Try reading the lyrics along with the song, it makes it much more enjoyable to the untrained ear.
Right click the "myspace music" link I posted and open it in a new window. Once there click on the song "Runes to my Memory" and follow along with the lyrics that I have posted below.
Amon Amarth
Runes to my Memory
We rode the rivers of the Eastern trail,
Deep in the land of the Rus'.
Following the wind in our sails,
And the rhythm of the oars.
No shelter in this hostile land,
Constantly on guard.
Ready to fight and defend
Our ship ‘til the bitter end.
We came under attack,
I received a deadly wound.
A spear was forced into my back
Still I fought on.
When I am dead,
Lay me in a mound.
Raise a stone for all to see
Runes carved to my memory
Now here I lay on the river bank
A long, long way from home
Life is pouring out of me
Soon I will be gone.
I tilt my head to the side
And think of those back home
I see the river rushing by
Like blood runs from my wound.
Here I lie on wet sand,
I will not make it home.
I clinch my sword in my hand,
Say farewell to those I love.
When I am dead,
Lay me in a mound.
Place my weapons by my side
For the journey to Hall up high
When I am dead,
Lay me in a mound.
Raise a stone for all to see
Runes carved to my memory
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Comments: 5
I've been wondering though; why are there so many Scandinavian metal bands? I know the Finnish metal scene is pretty huge too.
"The first bands with black metal characteristics included Bathory, Sodom, Mercyful Fate, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost and Venom. These bands were thrash metal bands that formed the prototype for the later second generation of black metal. The second wave of black metal started in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in Norway. Black metal has been met with considerable hostility from mainstream culture, mainly because of the hateful and anti-religious attitude of many bands."
Also, the "melodic death metal" sub-genre. "Melodic death metal, (also referred to as Gothenburg metal, melodeath, Scandinavian metal, and post-death) is a subgenre of death metal. Originally the genre mixed the harmony style and the groovy melodies of British metal with the thrashing, harsh sound of death metal and thrash metal. Later the genre evolved through many influences and evolutions, a notable evolution in the genre being the addition of keyboards."
So yeah, the reason that there is so much of it in scandinavia is becuase that is where it started.