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Like clockwork Amon Amarth release yet another of their epic melodeath albums. Number five in their discography, "Fate Of Norns" is getting the usual 'this isn't as good as the last one/this is their best ever' reviews from people who obviously have no idea what they are talking about. So let me put this thing to bed once and for all.

News Flash: every Amon Amarth album since "The Crusher" has sounded pretty much the same, so this is just more of what you already heard. This could easily have been called "Vs The World 2: The Vengeful Viking Of Vengeance". You get a killer opener in "Ancient Sign Of Coming Storm" and then forty-odd minutes of not-quite-as-good songs. The only reason I dock this any points from "Versus The World" is because this sounds so much like it, so I have to take points off for a complete lack of innovation or progression of any kind. But if you liked that album, you will like this one. "Fate Of Norns" is crunchy, headbangable, and fun, but for AA fans it is just more of what you have heard on the last three albums.