Raise your horns metal warriors! The metal madmen of Amon Amarth are out on the Berserker Tour and recently made a stop at the Fillmore right here in Charlotte. The band was formed in Sweden way back in 1992 and has been kicking ass and taking names ever since, making a mark on the world of melodic death metal.
The line to get in was wrapped around the corner as I approached the venue and I knew despite it being a weekday, that there was going to be a killer turnout for the show. Indeed, the Fillmore was packed with a capacity crowd ready to rock. The crowd was whipped into a frenzy as the band made their way on the stage. First to arrive was drummer Jocke Walgren whose kit was set up on top of a giant Viking helmet. He raised his stick in the air to salute the crowd and the onslaught began. One by one they walked on stage, metal fists in the air. When frontman Johan Hegg was visible the venue erupted as the band began to hit it with “Raven’s Flight.” From that point on, it was a metal show for the ages with guitarists Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Soderberg trading riffs and fiery leads throughout the set while bass guitarist Ted Lundstrom provided a solid backbone. The lighting setup was elaborate with everything from blinding strobes to gloomy reds and everything in between. Hegg’s vocals sounded amazing as he worked the crowd, getting the fans absolutely crazed with excitement. A Viking warrior came out during “Deceiver of the Gods” and a full blown Viking battle took place on stage complete with swords and shields later in the set. The band is technically top notch and once you experience them live, you’ll be a fan forever. Of course, the biggest response of the night came when Hegg raised his Viking drinking horn in the air for “Raise Your Horns” much to the delight of the crowd.
It was a night that fans will never forget as once again Amon Amarth conquered the Queen City. Raise your horns to metal and to Amon Amarth for letting us all be warriors even if it’s just for one night.
Set List:
Raven’s Flight
Runes to My Memory
Deceiver of the Gods
First Kill
Father’s Gold
Crack the Sky
The Way of Vikings
Shield Wall
Guardians of Asgaard
Raise your horns
The Pursuit of Vikings
Twilight of The Thunder God
We would like to thank Kassy Nostra from Cosa Nostra PR for the credentials to review the show.
