Amon Amarth have officially entered a new chapter with the release of their new album The Allfather Awakens, and they’re marking the occasion with the album’s powerful focus track, “The Allfather Awakes.” The Swedish metal legends unleash the title track from their new album, bringing Norse mythology, crushing riffs and a warning about the importance of wisdom into one thunderous anthem.

“The Allfather Awakes” draws directly from Norse mythology and the story of Odin, the Allfather. In the mythology, Odin sacrifices one of his eyes by casting it into the Well of Wisdom, Mímisbrunnr, in exchange for knowledge and the ability to see beyond what is immediately in front of him. Amon Amarth uses that story as a larger metaphor for the importance of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Frontman and lyricist Johan Hegg has described the song’s message as a warning that wisdom, knowledge and facts should help guide the future.

Listen to “The Allfather Awakens”

It’s a fitting subject for a band that has spent more than three decades turning Viking history and mythology into some of metal’s biggest and most recognizable songs. The band also changed the way they approached writing the album. Instead of waiting until they were finished touring, Amon Amarth began working on songs while they were still on the road. The material was then recorded across two sessions at producer Jacob Hansen’s studio in Denmark.

For “The Allfather Awakes,” that pursuit is knowledge. With The Allfather Awakens, Amon Amarth are also bringing that mythology to their live show. The band will begin their U.K. and European headlining tour next week, where they plan to introduce an entirely new production inspired by Odin’s legendary Golden Hall. For a band that has spent its career exploring the worlds of gods, warriors and ancient battles, “The Allfather Awakes” gives Amon Amarth another powerful myth to bring to life. It’s about looking beyond the present, seeking knowledge and understanding what comes next.

Photo Credit: Nicole Sacks