Amon Amarth is a kick ass
viking metal death metal band that you've all probably heard of! I scored an interview by getting in touch with their management (who were great)! All answers are by Johan Hegg (vocalist). Read on!
What compelled the band to make Viking Metal over any other genre of metal?Don't exactly know what you mean. We are a Metal band with roots in Death
Metal, and don't really concider ourselves "Viking Metal".
That's a label put on us because we have lyrics about Vikings and Norse
mythology. We've never really given too much thought on anything else than
to have lyrics that suits the music that we wanted to write, and as it were
a "Viking" theme suited us really well as it's also a big interest of all in
the band.
What kind of research must you do in order to write a song?That depends on what kind of lyrics it is. If it's lyrics based on a
mythological or historical event, there is definately some research
involved, but with some lyrics there are less research as I already know a
lot of the historical aspects of Viking culture and mythology.
Where did the name "Amon Amarth" come from?From J.R.R. Tolkien.
What is the most rewarding thing about being in such a popular band?To be able to travel the world, meeting and playing in front of devoted
fans.
What kind of changes has the band gone through (in all aspects) from "Scum" all the way to "Twilight of the Thundergod"?We've matured as song writers and musicians as well as people. As far
as the line up goes it's not a lot of changes, we've changed a guitar
player once and the drummer twice, but we've had the same line up for
ten years now. That's about it.
What has been the best moment of your career?That is a difficult question. We've had so many great moments in this
band it's hard to pick one over another. Playing at Graspop Metal
Meeting in 2007 was a great experience, but also our latest head line
tour in Europe and the US, as well as the show at Summer Breeze, and
of course finally being able to make a living off our music. Still,
there are a lot more great moments in our career.
What can we expect from "Twilight of the Thundergod"?We've had a bit more open mind on the music, trying out new stuff and
new ideas, but still trying to keep the recognition of Amon Amarth,
not experimenting too much with the sound that's become our signature.
Thanks for your time!
http://www.myspace.com/amonamarthhttp://www.amonamarth.com/