16.06.2023 Amon Amarth

Graspop Metal Meeting

Dessel (Belgium)

Amon Amarth weren’t actually high on my list for today’s festival schedule. I had already seen them here in 2019, and although they released a new album, “The Great Heathen Army” in 2022, it didn’t particularly excite me. Still, the timing worked out nicely, and Amon Amarth are always a guaranteed good show. So off I went into the crowd in front of the North Stage.
With the opener “Guardians Of Asgaard” from the 2008 album “Twilight Of The Thunder God”, the sails were set immediately, and the crowd jumped in without hesitation. From here on, it was hit after hit, and the band pulled out all the stops on stage. The stage design alone was impressive, with Viking ships in the background and a helmet‑shaped drum riser and throughout the show, new elements were added temporarily. Naturally, fire was a must, and there was plenty of it. Around the middle of the set, the familiar scene unfolded: “Put Your Back Into The Oar” began, and the entire infield sat down on the ground to start rowing in unison. An impressive sight that even coaxed a smile from vocalist Johan Hegg. Together with his bandmates Johan Söderberg and Olavi Mikkonen on guitars, Ted Lundström on bass, and Jocke Wallgren behind the drums they pushed the atmosphere higher with every song, and the crowd gladly followed. Louder and louder the voices rose. It was one massive party. During “The Way Of The Vikings” from the 2016 album “Jomsviking”, two sword‑wielding Vikings stormed the stage to perform a cinematic battle. Toward the end of the show, a giant inflatable dragon appeared, which Hegg fought off with his usual commanding presence. And of course, the traditional toast during “Raise Your Horns” was not to be missed before the band moved on to their biggest hit. As soon as the hammer was raised, everyone knew what was coming and with the explosion that followed when the hammer struck down, the crowd erupted. “Twilight Of The Thunder God” always produces a massive choir, and this evening was no exception, especially with the sun slowly setting in perfect fashion.
Even though I hadn’t originally planned to see the band, it turned out to be another outstanding experience. Every time I see the Swedes live, the shows get bigger and more spectacular. By now, they’ve clearly reached headliner status and are absolutely worth seeing (at least I’ve never been disappointed). I don’t know how much further they can push things, because there’s not much higher to go. So once again, the recommendation stands: definitely catch them live. It’s absolutely worth it.