Swedish melodic death metallers Amon Amarth have chosen “The Allfather Awakens” as the title to their latest aural Norse mythology-influenced saga. Just in from that thirteenth entry to their catalog is the below track “Gjallarhorn“. While fans of the ‘Destiny‘ video game franchise may have a different interpretation, the Gjallarhorn in Norse mythology is Heimdallr’s horn which is used to sound the beginning of Ragnarök. This new track will open that above-mentioned new album, which Metal Blade Records will be releasing on October 02nd.
If you’ve partaken in the recent first single “Upphaf“, you’re already aware that the band have stepped out of their comfort zone a bit on this new record, as that track represented their first acoustic single. As with “Upphaf“, director Pavel Trebukhin (Imminence, thrown) was again hired on to oversee the shoot for this latest single’s music video.
A press release notes that this record will once again center on the exploits of Oden, but cautions, ‘The Allfather Awakens‘ is not a concept album, rather a collection of historically inspired epic tales of conflict and sacrifice for a greater good.’
Delving deeper into the mythology that inspired this new record, that same press release offered:
‘Following the release of Amon Amarth‘s first-ever acoustic excursion ‘Upphaf‘, the band unleash ‘The Allfather Awakens‘ opening track and epic tale of ‘Gjallarhorn‘. Where the stripped-back ‘Upphaf‘ carried the solemnity of an oral history whispered under the shadow of the Allfather, ‘Gjallarhorn‘ arrives as a furious Amon Amarth classic. ‘Gjallarhorn‘s’ driving, upbeat guitar riff and high tempo, catchy chorus fuse with a few surprises that ensure itself to be a future live staple.
To gain wisdom beyond mortal comprehension, Oden made the ultimate sacrifice – gouging out his own eye and casting it into the Well of Wisdom, Mímisbrunnr, in exchange for cosmic insight and foresight that would shape the fate of gods and men alike. Now, Amon Amarth bring that ancient reckoning to life with ‘Gjallarhorn‘ – and they are extending Oden’s offer to you. Those who received the eye know what must be done. Those who did not: seek it out. Sacrifice your sight. Gain your foresight.’
“The Allfather Awakens” came to be across two separate recording sessions that took place roughly a year apart with producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Arch Enemy). The band’s guitarist Olavi Mikkonen said of the creative freedom afforded by that:
“We worked on one song at a time and made each song as good as possible. Then we recorded one song at a time until each track was totally finished–drums, guitars, and vocals. Only then did we start on the next one.”
“The Allfather Awakens” track listing:
01 – “Gjallarhorn“
02 – “Eight Legs Of Thunder“
03 – “Kvasiris Blood“
04 – “We Rule The Waves“
05 – “Upphaf“
06 – “Die With A War Cry“
07 – “Raven God“
08 – “The Allfather Awakes“
09 – “Oden’s Hunt“
10 – “Ascending Like An Eagle“
Pre-orders can be found via lnk.to/TheAllfatherAwakens.
