You know when a gigs been that good that you can’t wipe the smile off your face the next morning.
Well that’s exactly how I feel this morning having witnessed Amon Amarth tear the O2 Academy in Birmingham a new one last night. Holy fucking shitballs!!
Because of stupid train delays and doors opening half and hour earlier than advertised I missed Grand Magus, and I’m still as pissed about that as I am still smiling about Amon Amarth. From those I talked to, and from what I’ve seen online they went down as storm. Next time chaps, I promise.
Testament, really need no introduction. Opening with new song Brotherhood Of The Snake from their new record of the same name, they proceed to batter the O2 with slice after slice of perfect thrash metal.
Playing several songs from the new record, including The Pale King and my personal favourite Stronghold, Testament a pretty much perfect tonight.
Highlight was a crushing Over The Wall, with lead singer Chuck Billy inviting the Birmingham crowd to make the security work a little harder. Cue body after body flying forward and over the barrier.
This was my third time seeing Testament this year, having caught them on their own headlining run a few months before. Safe to say they get better and better.
I’m a new Viking convert, having only really got into Amon Amarth this year. They quickly became my favourite new band and to say I was excited about seeing them live was an understatement.
Greeted by the Birmingham crowd like returning heroes, Amon Amarth are faultlessly majestic tonight.
Opening with The Pursuit Of Vikings they have the already rapid crowd eating from the palm of their hands.
Fists are pumped, horns are raised, every word of every song is sung back as loudly as it’s delivered.
Playing several songs from new record Jomsviking, including First Kill and Raise Your Horns and peppering the set with favourites like Twilight Of The Thundergod and Guardians Of Asgaard, Amon Amarth are just faultless tonight.
Lead singer Johan Hegg has got to be one of the finest frontmen in modern metal, engaging with the audience who hang on his every word, backed by a band who are clearly enjoying themselves on stage. Amon Amarth are a truly awesome live band.
Make sure you catch them at next year’s Bloodstock Festival
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