AMON AMARTH

Philip A. Wickstrand with:
Vocalist Johan Hegg
At the Roseland Theater in Portland, OR
November 23, 2005

What do you think of when you hear the name Amon Amarth? Tolkien or 100% badass Swedish Viking Metal? If you stated the latter, then you already know just how damn good these guys are and I need explain no further. If you answered the former, then I suggest you look into one of the best bands going today. Currently touring with Children Of Bodom and Trivium, Amon Amarth have been forcefully introducing themselves to those not in the know and crushing those who are, much to the delight of everyone in attendance.
Phil: Aside from the concert that was filmed in Germany a couple of months ago, what are you going to have on the forthcoming DVD?
Johan: It's going to be a couple of bonus DVD's with a show from the Metal Blade Tenth Anniversary Show and footage and stuff from other occasions.
Phil: Any promo clips?
Johan: Well, we haven't really decided everything yet, but probably both the videos that we have so far.
Phil: Okay. What's your working relationship like with Metal Blade?
Johan: It's been good. Especially our relationship with Europe, it's been very good. I mean, of course they're the guys we work with daily. We haven't really dealt with the U.S. that much unless we're on tour. But it's been mainly good.
Phil: Do you foresee any more U.S. headlining tours in the near future?
Johan: (laughs) Well, I don't know what's going to happen after the next album, but the reason we're on this tour is that hopefully we come back next time to do a longer set, at least don't have to be the opening band.
Phil: Are you rotating your sets every night? 'Cause you only have thirty minutes.
Johan: (laughs) Actually, we could do that, technically, yes, but as we are the opening band and only have thirty minutes every time, the schedule is very tight for us. It's better for us just to have a set that we do every night, 'cause then we don't have to think about it. So we're doing pretty much the same set for the entire tour. At the end, we'll be playing Toronto and Montreal again and we'll change around the set for those two shows so that people who went and saw the first show and came back will have some new songs.
Phil: Alright; what's in the drinking horn?
Johan: Beer! (laughs)
Phil: What kind?
Johan: Any kind, actually. Today was Heineken, yesterday it was Corona, I think. (laughs) Just beer; no mixing.
Phil: Okay, what would be your favorite Viking method of execution?
Johan: Like I could put someone through or that I would be put through myself?
Phil: Like you could put someone through. (gleeful laughter) A simple beheading, of course, would be the best for anyone to take.
Johan: There is one that I know is pretty fucking mean, actually. It's where they tie you up one poles right on the end of a beach when the tide is low and then the tide will rise and you will be eaten by eels and crabs and stuff like that.
Phil: Ah, that's pretty brutal, but I personally prefer the one where they take the guy where he's still alive, cut him down the middle, open up his rib cage and the spread his guts over them.
Johan: Oh, yeah, maybe. (laughs) Actually, there's also one thing they did to criminals; they cut open their stomach and nailed their intestines to a tree and then had them walk around the tree while they were still alive.
Phil: Oh!!! (Johan laughs) Alright, what do you think of other bands that play Viking metal, like Thryfing and such?
Johan: Well I haven't really heard Thryfing that much, actually. So I can't really say. (laughs) Maybe that would be a better question for Fredrik because I know he likes them very much. But I like Enslaved; Einherjer's a good band as well. Cool stuff.
Phil: Okay, now I need you to settle an old argument between me and one of my old roommates and I think you're going to side with me on this one; (Joan laughs) which country is better - Sweden or Norway?
Johan: (whistles) Well, I have roots in both, so… (laughter) …but I'd say Sweden. (laughs)
Phil: Excellent! Alright, last question; this is kind of the fluff question of the interview - who would be your favorite Norse god and why?
Johan: Well, I would probably go with a goddess; Freja - goddess of love and desire.
Phil: Would this be having anything to do with the tale of the dwarves whom she procured certain jewelry from?
Johan: (laughs) Well, let's just say that if you read the Norse mythology, half of the men who die in battle come to Odin's hall and half come to Freja's hall. So the honor is as good, but I would rather be with a lady, if you know what I'm saying. (laughter)
Phil: Alright, thank you very much.