Amon Amarth - Deceiver Of The Gods (2CD Limited Edition) (2013)

When it comes to the vast discography of Amon Amarth, many of the "trve" metallers will only claim to like releases preceding Twilight of the Thunder God. However, while the production many be squeaky clean and the sound obviously more melodic than their "classic" albums, Deceiver of the Gods is a force to be reckoned with. The album makes up for the excessively catchy riffs with a brutal sound and violent lyrics.

Beginning with the anthemic title track, the album is catchy as hell. Throughout its 48-minute length, the band leads the listener through a journey of variations on their signature songwriting formula. While the album has a definitive worst song (''We Shall Destroy,'' which features laid-back riffs and a White Zombie ripoff in the bridge), the other nine songs are simply stunning. "Hel" sees Candlemass singer Messiah Marcolin taking co-lead vocals and a creepy synth melody being used to great effect. "Under Siege" has an earwormy melody in the chorus, and has a tragic sense to it. "Warriors of the North" is just plain epic, and "As Loke Falls" is a live staple as well as an instant classic. "Blood Eagle" stands out as the most violent song on the album.

Instrumentally, this album is a great work of art. It is filled with beautiful speed-picked harmonies and melodies by genius guitarists Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Soderberg. The vocals are brutal and powerful, even emotional at times, and the drums are hard-hitting throughout the entire course. There's even a cool bass solo in "Under Siege," showing the overlooked musical ability of bassist Ted Lundstrom. The riffs are vikingish and singable, making the album brilliant and memorable.

Deciever of the Gods is an overlooked and underrated album, and it is one of the best Amon Amarth has put out to date. It has great riffs, melodies, lyrics, and production, giving it the total product of an incredible record.