Swedish metal behemoths Amon Amarth are back, and they’re not exactly being subtle about it. Their new single, “We Rule The Waves”, released alongside a cinematic video shot in Riga, delivers exactly what it says on the tin, a triumphant, riff-laden anthem soaked in Viking pride and self-mythology. With lyrics like “We are Vikings, and we will never be slaves”, the band leans hard into their legacy, almost to the point of self-parody. But hey, if you’re still here after three decades, odds are you’re here for the bombast.
Musically, this is classic Amon Amarth: catchy, uplifting death metal with a pinch of theatrical indulgence that wouldn’t feel out of place in an Alestorm tune. Produced by Jacob Hansen (of Volbeat, Arch Enemy, and Katatonia fame), the track balances galloping aggression with cinematic polish, and it’s catchy enough to get stuck in your head whether you like Vikings or not.
The release coincides with the band’s current U.S. tour alongside Pantera, and is accompanied by a limited run of themed merch. The band released their last album, “The Great Heathen Army,” in 2022, and you can read our review here. Whether “We Rule The Waves” signals a new album or is just a standalone war cry, one thing’s clear: Amon Amarth aren’t done carving their saga into the heavy metal tapestry, one glorious cliché at a time.