Scandinavian Viking metallers Amon Amarth conquers Louisville’s Mercury Ballroom with support from Goatwhore.

There isn’t a ticket to be found as Louisville metalheads turn out in their droves for a chance to see metal gods Amon Amarth at The Mercury Ballroom.

As the house lights drop, drummer Jocke Wallgren casually climbs behind his set, sticks and horns in the air receiving a huge ovation.  Immersed in deep red and yellow lights, the stage is transformed into a giant Viking warship in the midst of battle.  It’s a spectacle to behold for this sold out crowd.

Without much hesitation, Amon Amarth catapults into “Pursuit of Vikings” and “As Loke Falls” with a power and energy that resonates throughout the crowd.

Over the next 90 minutes, Amon Amarth converts the Mercury Ballroom into their own little playground of Viking folklore and mythology with a heavy mix of songs from their latest album, Jomsviking which tells the tale of a mercenary outcast.

Frontman Johann Hegg is a commanding presence on stage with his deep, battle-tested stares, his rapturous growls and screams further bring the Viking theme to the forefront in a powerful way.

During this power-packed set, Amon Amarth performs several favorites from their back catalog, including the likes of “War of the Gods,” “Live for the Kill,” “Guardians of Asgaard,” and “Cry of The Blackbirds” while the mosh pit seems to be a never-ending swirl of movement and energy.  

Taking a moment to address the enthusiastic crowd, Johan shouts “Every time we come here, you prove you are the meanest and loudest metalheads in North America” drawing a huge cheer and a sea of horns in the air as Amon Amarth tear into a blazing rendition of “Death in Fire”.

The band ends their set with the chant and sing-along beer drinking anthem “Raise Your Horns,” whilst everyone on stage toasts the crowd whilst downing a horn full of beer. Chants of Amon Amarth roll over the venue.

Thunder and lightning now bellow from the venue speakers as Johann, with a giant “Thor Hammer” raised high in the air appears center stage as Amon Amarth launch into “Twilight of The Thunder God” closing out what is a pummeling and visually stunning performance by the Gods of Viking metal.

New Orleans-based heavy metal demons Goatwhore start the night off with a vengeance, immediately blasting into “The All-Destroying,” “An End to Nothing” and “Alchemy of the Black Sun cult” which lights up the jam-packed Mercury Ballroom.  

Lead singer Ben Falgoust’s raw, straightforward and in your face vocals along with Sammy Duet’s no-nonsense hard-driving guitar riffs provide a formidable force on stage.

Goatwhore, are touring in support of their forthcoming 7^th studio album, Vengeful Ascension. The band treat the crowd to a smoking rendition of the title track, which is well received. 

Taking a minute to address the crowd, Ben specifically points out the number of children in attendance noting, â€œThese kids are the future of heavy metal” while Sammy pulls some guitar pick’s from his mic stand to hand out.  For such a brutal set tonight, it was great to see the real, human touch from the band and the crowd.

Goatwhore close their set with “Poisonous Existence in Reawakening” from their 2014 album, Constricting Rage of the Merciless which has Ben standing at the barrier for the final half of the song before taking his time and fist bump or shake hands with everyone and anyone as he made his way backstage.  

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Event Date: 20-MAY-2017