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Amon
Amarth
with Sonic Syndicate & Himsa
After slipping and sliding to what I thought would
be a fashionably late entrance at around 6:30 pm, I found the
show time had been pushed back and the first act, Sonic Syndicate,
didn't take the stage until around 7. They weren't worth the
wait, I'm afraid, being a decidedly nu-metal outfit with two
"singers" trying to out-shout each other and the token
female bass player. They didn't set too well with the rest of
the Amon fans either, drawing a rousing round of boos at the
end of each song. Himsa was only slightly better. Stick with
the Sounds of the Underground set please.
However, all the sacrilege was soundly driven away
when Amon Amarth finally took the stage. Backed by a large tapestry
depicting Sleipnir bearing Odin himself and flanked by golden
shields emblazoned with the band's distinctive a's, they were
definitely ready for their biggest victory on American soil,
charging ahead with "Death In Fire" and "Versus
the World". The band was in great spirits, and lead vocalist
Johan often had a gleam in his eye and a grin on his face as
he acknowledged the adoration they were receiving with a fist
to the chest and a solid nod.
In mid-set, Johan grew suddenly somber, telling of the tragic
accident that befell Poland's Decapitated, killing their young
drummer and forcing them to pull off the tour. After they finished
their tribute tune, "Fate of Norns", the crowd began
a rousing chant of the drummer's name. Nor were those the only
war cries that rocked the club, as fists in the air and fierce
shouts of "Hey!" resounded through the room when the
band took a "Victorious March" back onstage for a triumphant
encore.
As the band began their final number, "Pursuit
of Vikings", Johan encouraged a sing-along, saying "If
you know the words, sing along, and if you don't sing along anyway.
This is fucking death metal, so no one will know the difference!",
prompting a hearty ripple of laughter. Still, Amon Amarth's
performance showed they are serious about maintaining their metal
might.
- Ruin
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