October and November were the months Amon Amarth toured through Europe, with in the last few days of November a visit to Australia and Asia . On November 12 ^th the Vikings visited the Melkweg at Amsterdam , unfortunately without the support of Entombed and Exile. Exile had to cancel the tour due to the unfortunate death of bass player Mike Alexander. The band Doghouse Gallows from Utrecht replaced them as supporting act.

This evening Doghouse Gallows played their seventh gig. Singer Jorre Jansen is enjoying himself and is doing his best to prepare the audience for the main act of the evening. At the first few songs the audience is acting enthusiast but after a short while they seem to loose their interest. People are cheering but in the first few rows I can see a lot of boring faces as if they like it but not really enjoying it. Jorre talks a bit about the band, the songs and points at the cd that is available at reasonable prize.   Only during the last song Doghouse Gallows knows to loosen up the audience. On general they sound a bit lost on this big stage of the Melkweg.

It is clear the audience is waiting just for Amon Amarth. A few fans are standing up front with a huge banner, showing the autographs of the band members. The venue is crowded. Those who are suspecting Vikings in leather cuirasses, drinking horns or ring armour is disappointed. These Vikings look like they enter the stage in their daily clobber. There is no plumage, except of the large drawing in the back, of a brave Viking fighting a dragon. Tonight with Amon Amarth it is about the music that needs no symbols of times long gone.

As empty and lost the supporting act sounded, so full is the sound of the opening song “Twilight of the Thunder God.” The voice of Johan Hegg is strong and the heavy riffs create a wall of sound where many a head is loosen up the hair. It is a great sight to see the men of Amon Amarth throwing their hair around simultaneous while playing the songs “Valkyries Ride”, Bleed for Ancient Gods” and “Guardians of Asgaard.” The songs “Embrace of the Endless Ocean ” is dedicated to the remembrance of bass player Mike Alexander.

Johan Hegg is talking with his heavy voice in between songs while standing proud in the spotlight, leaving the stage in utter darkness. During the performance a cozy mosh pit is coming into existence, with a sporadic crowd surfer. Unfortunately I need to catch the last train due south so I cannot stay until the end. With regret I leave the venue while Amon Amarth continues inexhaustible in front of a wildly enthusiastic public with “The Dragons’ Fight Across the Waves”, “Asator” and “Gods of War Arise”