Swedish melodic death metal icons Amon Amarth brought their Metal Crushes All Tour to a triumphant close at the Honda Center in Anaheim, delivering an unforgettable celebration of metal. The legendary Cannibal Corpse, the brutal Obituary, and rising stars Frozen Soul joined forces to create a night filled with headbanging, mosh pits, and relentless energy that left the audience in awe.
From the first note to the last, Amon Amarth proved why they reign supreme in the melodic death metal scene. Their combination of exceptional musicianship, elaborate stage setups, and immersive storytelling crafted an experience fans will long remember.
The anticipation was palpable as the lights dimmed, and the crowd’s deafening roars filled the air. Metal shirts and battle vests dominated the scene, signaling a night of legendary death metal ahead.
Kicking off the evening, Frozen Soul set the stage ablaze with their electrifying performance. The moment they struck their first chord, a massive mosh pit erupted, and the crowd’s energy soared. Despite being the opening act, Frozen Soul’s infectious energy quickly packed the arena with enthusiastic fans.
Their screaming solos and thundering rhythms captivated the audience from the outset. The lead singer rallied the crowd, urging them to raise their hands and brace for the chaos to come. The response was a resounding roar, setting the tone for the night.
Frozen Soul’s performance was a testament to their rising status in the death metal scene. Their immense energy, powerful stage presence, and tight, precise sound made for a memorable opening that left a lasting impression.
The stage then lit up with “Obituary,” drawing huge ovations as smoke machines shot plumes into the air. The first chord struck, eliciting even more screams from the eager audience.
Opening with “Redneck Stomp,” an instrumental metal anthem, the pit ignited instantly. The crowd chanted and threw their hands in the air, making for a powerful and engaging start to their set.
Obituary showed they hadn’t lost a beat, delivering a performance that grabbed you by the throat. Playing classics and new tracks from their album “Dying of Everything,” they proved their songwriting prowess remains as strong as ever.
Each member was at their best, maintaining high energy and tight cohesion throughout the performance.
As quickly as it began, the set ended with a powerful finish, leaving the crowd wanting more. Obituary delivered a no-holds-barred performance that stayed true to their roots while showcasing their evolution. Without any frills or theatrics, offering only pure, unfiltered death metal brutality, they proved why they remain legends in the genre.
Cannibal Corpse then entered the arena and unleashed an onslaught of pure death metal brutality, transforming the Honda Center into a maelstrom of sonic violence and raw energy. The massive Cannibal Corpse banner set the stage for an unforgettable performance.
With the stage bathed in red light, the crowd surged to their feet as the legendary band took the stage. The pit exploded into chaos, driven by the relentless energy of front-man Corpsegrinder, whose headbanging was a sight to behold.
The brutal guitar tones and ferocious solos set the tone for a night of intense music. Known for their appearance in “Ace Ventura,” Cannibal Corpse delivered blood-curdling screams and dynamic vocals, with blast beats driving their relentless assault.
The mosh pit never ceased, growing more intense with each passing moment. The guitar solos featured cool delay effects, and the drummer’s impeccable timing amidst constant beat changes showcased the band’s authenticity and skill. Cheers erupted as each song concluded, cementing Cannibal Corpse’s legendary status in death metal.
Amon Amarth delivered more than just a performance; they crafted an epic, immersive experience that rivaled the legendary stage presence of iconic bands like Iron Maiden. From the moment you stepped into the Honda Center, you were transported into the heart of a Viking saga.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation mounted, fans adorned in Viking helmets, face paint, and battle armor filled the venue, a testament to the band’s powerful cultural impact. The stage itself was a marvel—a towering platform adorned with a massive Viking helmet and a drum set perched on top. The backdrop featured a gigantic banner depicting warriors, shrouded in smoke, setting the scene for a night of melodic death metal mayhem.
When Amon Amarth finally took the stage, it was nothing short of spectacular. The show kicked off explosively with “The Pursuit of Vikings.” The crowd erupted as the stage curtain dropped, revealing stunning visual displays and 30-foot-high Viking monuments. Fireworks and flame explosions added to the dramatic reveal, with the Viking helmet transforming into eye-catching backgrounds. Front-man Johan Hegg rallied the crowd, and the relentless energy from the entire band created an electrifying atmosphere.
Stage theatrics continued with “Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags,” featuring Vikings waving flags in unison. The brutal intensity and powerful presence of the vocalist had the crowd chanting along, blending with pounding drums and fierce guitar riffs.
Greeting the Anaheim crowd, the singer’s enthusiasm was infectious. Flames roared behind drummer Jocke Wallgren during “Guardians of Asgard,” with the audience joining in for the chorus. The intricate drumming and fiery stage effects pushed the show to new heights.
“Raven’s Flight,” opened with intricate guitar work that quickly erupted into a full-band assault, accompanied by a blaze of intense flames. The song’s thrashing rhythm, coupled with the singer’s dynamic stage presence as he moved energetically from side to side, maintained a high level of energy. The dueling guitar solos by Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg were executed with precision, showcasing the band’s exceptional technical prowess.
The mosh pit surged as the intro to “Blood Eagle” thundered through the venue. The singer’s ascent up the stage steps, singing alongside the drummer, added a dramatic flair.
The synchronized headbanging of the guitarists and bassist Ted Lundström epitomized the raw power of Amon Amarth’s live show.
With a nod to Norse mythology, the singer introduced “Deceiver of the Gods,” complete with a theatrical battle involving Loke.
The performance was as visually captivating as it was musically intense.
Amon Amarth maintained momentum and powered through a series of hits including “As Loke Falls,” “Find a Way or Make One,” “Put Your Back Into the Oar,” “The Way of Vikings,” “Heidrun,” “War of the Gods,” “Shield Wall,” and “Raise Your Horns.” Each track was delivered with precision and passion, ensuring the crowd remained fully engaged and enthralled throughout the performance.
The encore climaxed with “Twilight of the Thunder God,” leaving the audience on a high note. The energy remained high, and the band’s interaction with the audience was as powerful as their music. Amon Amarth brought their A-game, delivering a show that was not just a concert but a full-blown melodic death metal and Viking spectacle.
