Loki, the most controversial god of the Norse mythology, is the next epic figure around which the next album of the Swedish Viking warriors, AMON AMARTH, unfolds with the very explanatory title "Deceiver Of The Gods". The band continues its legacy in their ninth installment of war-forged melodic death metal this time through the battles, struggles and ambition of Loki as he fights for his rightful domination over the world and against his arch-nemesis and half-brother Thor (who said that Thor was the right one?). A battle that is depicted in the cover of the record where Thor as the Norse Zeus, comes riding his chariot in the air and striking thunders at an enraged Loki.

"Deceiver Of The Gods" develops in ten tracks. The opening homonymous track was the first to become available to the public. A very mellow intro turns into a very aggressive riff, which reminded me structures and melodies of the amazing TESTAMENT album "The Gathering". "As Loke Falls" is the second music onslaught of the record with a thunderous guitar tapping followed by heavy riffs, double bass and the classic AMON AMARTH vocals. The rage continues throughout the record with the band's trademark sound with behemoths like "Father Of The Wolf", "Blood Eagle" or "Coming Of The Tide". Worth of reference is the song "Hel" where the legendary Messiah Marcolin is doing guest vocals.

With a total duration of approximately fifty minutes the record is another soundtrack of the epic battles of the Northern Gods. And while the band never fails to disappoint with powerful tracks, strong melodies and an urge for relentless headbanging I wonder after nine records when that thematology will come an end. But aside that, "Deceiver Of The Gods" is a very powerful album and probably one of the best works of the band.  My personal opinion is that the band is taking a more "mainstream" approach to their music, without losing  their roots or sounding cheesy (they didn't turn out to be like INFLAMES) - it is just that they are shifting a bit from death to melodic and Heavy Metal in some of their songs. Worry not though, there are amazing songs in this one and it is another fine example of the band. "Deceiver Of The Gods" is the next relentless assault of the five bearded Vikings from Sweden that would leave the metal fans more than satisfied with its quality and brutality.