Amon Amarth

Initially released in limited quantities in 1999, Swedish Viking/melodic death metallers Amon Amarth truly crushed with sophomore effort The Avenger. Thick and brutal, while still displaying impeccable musicianship, it flew under the radar back then but after years of slowly sinking in it has become a revered legend in its respective genre. Finally receiving its proper due, the album has been reissued in special gatefold digi-pack format with bonus track "Thor Arise" and a second disc of the album performed live in its entirety last year. While these may seem like minimal peripherals they actually help bolster an already-great effort that deserves more attention than it has received. Then again, the remastering doesn't hurt either. Simplistic, passionate and engaging, The Avenger is such a solid album that it may prove just how hard it's been for Amon Amarth to match their earlier accomplishments.