Olavi Mikkonen

Amon Amarth

If you're looking for  a band to shout about vikings to then AMON AMARTH is exactly that, full of raging vocals and even louder guitars. Tonight in London they play their first release show for album ''Jomsviking'' to a sold out crowd at The Underworld in Camden, UK. Metal Temple's Emily has a quick chat at the show with guitarist Olavi Mikkonen, about the band's newest release.
By Emily Coulter
March 25, 2016
Olavi Mikkonen (Amon Amarth) interview
You're about to play a sold out show tonight at the underworld, how excited are you?

Very! We haven't played live since February last year so we're glad to do a special release show. We have our new drummer at this show too.

What kind of setlist can fans expect?

Around 5 songs from the new album tonight and then a mix of our classics and really old stuff. We have something for everyone.

You're releasing your new album Jomsviking in a few days, do you think this is your best album so far?

Right now yes, we've been working so hard on this album so we're really into it so it's all very fresh to us. We finished around November and the songs are really good in my opinion.

Do you think you've had a good reaction to the tracks you've released so far?

I don't really follow outside our fans what people say and there isn't many reviews out yet from the press but people so far seem really happy with what songs have been released.

What is your favourite song from the album?

I think it would be ''Back On Northern Shores'' or ''Raise Your Horns''.

What is the concept behind the album?

Our vocalist Johan Hegg wrote ''Jomsviking'' about the viking mercenaries so he came up with this character who is part of them. It's kind of a like a movie.

What is the story behind the album name?

The mercanaries were called the Jomsvikings.

What bands got you into metal?

JUDAS PRIEST  as their album ''British Steel'' really changed everything for me but I was into KISS before them.

Who are the guitarists who inspired you?

Ace Frehley from KISS and later on it was Jeff Hanneman and Adrian Smith from SLAYER and IRON MAIDEN.

What are the bands plans for 2016?

A lot of touring, we're playing over 100 shows and some festivals including Download Festival.

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