Photos by Wayne Edwards.
© Wayne Edwards
Photo Gallery: Bassists, Part 5
Amon Amarth
Photo Gallery: Drummers, Part 4
Photos by Wayne Edwards.
© Wayne Edwards
New Year’s Day, 2023
Here we go.
It’s a new year, and a new set of opportunities. More important than anything: more heavy music.
This year we are stepping it up at Shardik Media. The plan is for five new release reviews every week, expanded coverage of live music including music festivals we have not covered before, and a couple surprise features that will be new to Flying Fiddlesticks Music Blog. Stay tuned.
Speaking of something new, we are looking for an intern to do some of the writing and posting for the blog. It is unpaid, so it is not a good deal, but if you like heavy music and you want to get involved, pop us an email at shardik@flyingfiddlesticks.com.
I am going to put up a couple of random photos that haven’t been on the website before as a little celebration of the year to come. Let’s make 2023 count.
Wayne Edwards
Photos by Wayne Edwards.
Links and info.
Contact email address: shardik@flyingfiddlesticks.com
I also write for Ghost Cult Magazine: https://www.ghostcultmag.com/
Social Media accounts used regularly…
Instagram, @wayneedwardsffmb
Twitter, @we21011
Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082879764669
Mastodon, @ShardikMedia@universeodon.com
© Wayne Edwards
Photo Gallery: Amon Amarth, Andrew J. Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, November 27, 2022
Photos by Wayne Edwards.
Links.
Amon Amarth, https://www.amonamarth.com/
Andrew J. Brady Music Center, https://bradymusiccenter.com/
Ghost Cult Magazine article, https://www.ghostcultmag.com/concert-review-amon-amarth-carcass-obituary-cattle-decapitation-live-at-the-andrew-j-brady-music-center/
© Wayne Edwards
Amon Amarth, The Great Heathen Army (Metal Blade 2022)
Iconic Viking metal band Amon Amarth have crafted their twelfth album, The Great Heathen Army.
Since 1992, Amon Amarth has been carrying the banner and swinging the sword for Viking metal, an heroic melodic heavy metal style that is wildly popular from sea to sea and icecap to icecap. Releasing a new album every two or three years for the past three decades has made them a reliable source of fresh music for their legions of fans. The new record has nine tales of heroism and conflict set in a savage world and told in the way only Amon Amarth can. The band is Johan Hegg (vocals), Olavi Mikkonen (guitar), Johan Söderberg (guitar), Ted Lundström (bass), and Jocke Wallgren (drums).
The battle begins with “Get in the Ring.” The song has a very ominous set-up to put you in the right frame of mind for the tenacious musical intercourse. Hegg’s gruff vocals cast their familiar spell over the abiding guitar riffs and steady percussion. It is an excellent choice for an opening song as it reminds you how much you like Amon Amarth. The title track follows, and it has a serious tone with a lithe delivery. “Heidrun” takes the baton and charges the field with a romping riff that sounds like the steady movement of a well-appointed army. A catchy chorus makes this song one that will stick in your head. “Oden Owns You All” is a much more aggressive track, with rippling percussion and forceful pattering that enhances the established style and theme.
Overall, the album delivers what the band’s fans are looking for. My favorite track is “Dawn of Norsemen” because it encapsulates the elements I like most about Amon Amarth from the story to the melody to the reliable rhythm section. You might choose a different favorite, but if you have enjoyed the previous albums from Amon Amarth, I think we will agree that the new one gets high marks. Recommended.
The Great Heathen Army is out now through Metal Blade Records in a variety of forms. Make your choices at the links below.
Links.
Bandcamp, https://amonamarth.bandcamp.com/album/the-great-heathen-army
Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/amonamarth/
Metal Blade Records, https://www.metalblade.com/us/releases/amon-amarth-the-great-heathen-army/
© Wayne Edwards
Flying Fiddlesticks Music Blog 