If there’s one thing that Hellfest has over the likes of Download, it’s the organisation when it comes to stage times. With the two main stages situated right next to each other, it’s possible to enjoy a band while another gets set up and waiting times seldom stretch over the ten minute mark. Furthermore, the big guns of the weekend rarely clash and popular acts like Machine Head are normally playing at the same time as more cult bands like Vision of Disorder.
Late Sunday night was the exception to the rule and as the witching hour strikes, fans have to make the decision to remain at the main arena for hardcore tough guys Hatebreed, or head over to the Rock Hard Stage for death metal overlords Amon Amarth.
The Vikings Are Coming To Hellfest!
Those that opt for the latter are unlikely to regret it though as Amon Amarth are absolutely blinding tonight. The excitement in the tent is palpable and war horns are sounding long before they take the stage. When they finally appear through the hazy purple light and launch straight into Twilight Of The Thunder God, the tent erupts with fanaticism. Soon, people are climbing up the support struts for a better view and flags wave in all directions, the band continuing onto Free Will Sacrifice without missing a beat.
It’s a tight and well-drilled performance and about as primal as death metal can get without having to rely on cavemen fashioning instruments out of dinosaur bones. Given how heavy it is though, it’s remarkably accessible and it rapidly becomes apparent that the secret to their success is their ability to write death metal with catchy choruses.
Death Metal Live In France
Few could deny that Guardians Of Asgard is anything but a fist pumping joy and the lightning-quick Asator is a show-stopper. There’s a remarkable level of depth too and where some of their fellows are content to fashion sagas of blood letting heroes waving swords in the air, Amon Amarth would prefer to push the boundaries of their chosen genre with Fate Of Norns. The story of a man having to suffer through the anguish of his son’s passing, it’s the closest death metal can get to bringing a tear to the eye and lends a sombre edge to their otherwise barnstorming epics.
But things are getting late and with just an hour’s stage time to work with, the band have to scale down their usually grand live shows and squeeze as many songs in as possible. Largely revolving around their two most recent albums, there are more old-world heroics on offer than the entire Lord Of The Rings trilogy and the climactic cavalry charge of Pursuit of Vikings, Cry Of The Blackbirds and Death In Fire is the perfect end to the chaos. They were onstage for an hour but it felt like twenty minutes, that is why Amon Amarth are heroes, long may the Vikings sail!
