Released 10 years ago
Jomsviking
Amon Amarth · 2016
52 min · 11 tracks · melodic death metal
Epic melodic death metal intertwines Norse mythology with powerful riffs and anthemic choruses, evoking a fierce Viking spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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First Kill — As the opening track, it sets a ferocious tone with its driving rhythms and compelling narrative of Viking conquest, establishing the album's thematic foundation.
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Raise Your Horns — This track serves as a powerful anthem celebrating Viking culture, with an infectious chorus that invites listeners to join in a communal celebration.
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The Way of Vikings — This song showcases Amon Amarth's signature blend of melodic hooks and aggressive instrumentation, embodying the essence of their exploration into Viking lore.
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A Dream That Cannot Be — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this track explores themes of loss and longing, offering a poignant contrast to the album's more aggressive moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines powerful riffs with thematic storytelling, creating a solid entry in the melodic death metal genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first five songs before slowing down slightly in the second half.
- Each song features layered guitar harmonies and consistent use of anthemic choruses, often incorporating Viking-themed lyrics and motifs.
- Several tracks include orchestral elements and choral backing, enhancing the epic feel of the music while maintaining a heavy metal foundation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- epic melodies for dramatic moments
- steady pacing for focused listening
- thematic journey of conquest
- powerful anthems for camaraderie
- immersive storytelling through song
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- dislike of consistent mid-tempo
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Highest charting album in the U.S., marking a significant recognition for the band.
- Career context
- Jomsviking is Amon Amarth's tenth studio album, coming after their successful release of Deceiver of the Gods in 2013. By 2016, the band had solidified their position within the melodic death metal scene, known for their thematic focus on Viking history and mythology. This album represents a continuation of their narrative-driven approach while exploring new musical textures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Arch Enemy· Children of Bodom· In Flames
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 First Kill 4:21
- 2 Wanderer 4:43
- 3 On a Sea of Blood 4:05
- 4 One Against All 3:38
- 5 Raise Your Horns 4:24
- 6 The Way of Vikings 5:11
- 7 At Dawn’s First Light 3:51
- 8 One Thousand Burning Arrows 5:50
- 9 Vengeance Is My Name 4:42
- 10 A Dream That Cannot Be 4:23
- 11 Back on Northern Shores 7:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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