1. Congratulations on Surtur Rising! (releasing March 29th on Metal Blade Records) Could you tell fans a little more about the inspiration behind the album? Does if follow a determined theme?
-Like all our albums we try to make sure the original idea and theme goes through the whole album. That being said, it’s definitely not a concept album. We’ve actually never made a concept album, but we always still try to get the whole album fit into the mood. Artwork, photos, songs and lyrics all goes hand in hand and we think it’s important that you get the feeling it’s “one” album and not just a bunch of random songs. The inspiration I guess was the fact that we got the idea to use Surtur for the album cover and we had the picture in our mind what we wanted it to look like. We actually had the artwork idea before we started writing any songs.
More with Amon Amarth after the warp:
2. With the quality of this album I have to ask: Is this Amon Amarth’s Black Album?
-That’s a very subjective question I guess. Me personally I don’t think Metallica’s black album is their best and I hope we never get in such a position where our fans gets divided in two camps which is pretty much what happened in their case. But I do hope that fans think this is our best album as I think it is.
3. For me personally the album seemed rawer production wise than past albums. This really added a lot of imagery. Was this done on purpose?
It was most definitely, we had a pre-production meeting with Jens and suggested our wishes that we wanted the album be more aggressive and dangerous sounding. He agreed to this and shared our vision so it was easy to work towards this goal.
4. Does “Viking Metal” have an actual sound or is just because the band is from Norway?
Well, we’re from Sweden first of all, and secondly, I have no clue. I think the “Viking metal” genre is very wide and can sometimes be quite misleading. I mean it covers bands that play more folkish style of metal with all sort of different elements mixed into it to bands like us who play straight forward metal/melodic death but with Viking themed lyrics.
5. With the music being so intense, what is the atmosphere like in the studio?
It’s usually pretty relaxed actually. Of course the recording sessions are very intense and tiring at times but I think we manage to keep it on a professional level and just go in giving our absolute best and make sure we go in 100%.
6. How have things changed since the early (SCUM) days? Both musically and personally.
Obviously a lot of things change in 20 years. You’re not the same when you’re 15 as you are when you’re 35, neither musically or personally.
7. What have your experiences touring in Canada been like?
Nothing but great. Canada has a great metal scene and some of our personal favourite places to play at are in Canada.
8. What is the day in the life of Amon Amarth like on the day of a show? Do you have any rituals or habits before going on stage?
No not really, we take the day pretty much as it comes. Taking it easy and just enjoying being on tour. I think lately we’ve tried to make sure we get out more during the day, get some air and sightseeing. But also a big portion of the day goes to interviews, sound checks and preparing for the show.
9. Is there any non-metal influence the band relies on when writing new material?
Nope. I can only speak for myself when I can say I listen to some none metal every once in a while, I think I’m probably alone doing so.
10. Fan Submitted Question from GUSGFAN: What can you say to young extreme acts starting out? Can you make a living doing music that most of the world seems to be so against?
I think it’s important to start playing the music you want because most of all you think it’s fun. That’s how we started out, we never had a thought that we’d one day make a living from playing death metal. I think that’s kept us on the ground and we’ve kept our integrity and joy of playing.
11. We ask this question at the end of every interview. Living or dead, past or present. Who would you share the stage with?
Quorthon.
Martell
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