I remember when I first heard of the great and powerful Amon Amarth, it was shortly after the release of the Fate of Norns album and I was very intrigued by the cover art and not just because of the naked woman. It subconciously roared with a might that told me I was about to embark on a truly epic journey of the senses and so I did. Soon after my initial introduction I was the owner of the bands entire back catologue and have remained a diehard fan ever since. It has been a wonder watching them conquer the world a little at a time with each subsequent new release and I a always astonished at their penchant for bringing the ultimate in aggression as well as the ultimate in melodic integrity. Their latest masterpiece is no exception either. Surtur Rising is the latest chapter to unfold for the Swedish Viking clan and their art has never been in finer form. I always look forward to speking with these guys as they are really down to earth and easy to read when it comes to their culture, world view and all around feeling of loyaty to their music and fans. Speaking with frontman Johan Hegg I eagerly positioned myself as the man in search of all the insight attainable from these Norse God's of Metal. Of course the first and possibly most important ingrediant to making sense out of any of it is a much needed supply of beer, as Johan and company can attest to. Among the highlights of our conversttion we explored the bands premise behind Surtur Rising, their direction to make the album even more brutal than any past works, their thoughts on Americas most popular Viking understanding i.e. Thor the comicbook hero and their decision to cover System of a Down's "Aerials" which again according to Johan came about by mass consumption of alcohol. So crack one open and let the damage begin!