Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Frozen Soul
May 5, 2024
GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, Michigan

When I first heard about a tour called “Metal Crushes All”, I had a feeling this would be worth attending. Headlining bands were Amon Amarth and Cannibal Corpse, while opening bands were Obituary and Frozen Soul. As a disclaimer, I only own 1 release from Amon Amarth. The only real experience I have with Cannibal Corpse is their brief appearance in the film “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”.

Frozon Soul opened the evening with their style of death metal. The band formed in 2018, so still a fairly young band. We only caught the last half of their set, and they were worthy of being on the bill for this tour. They were solid death metal. An interesting note was the female bass player (Samantha Mobley). I didn’t find anything particularly memorable, but they were entertaining.

Next up was the band Obituary. I am not familiar with their music, but the band formed originally Tampa, Florida in 1984 – so they have been around for 40 years. Wikipedia says they were one of the founders of the death metal style. So, good chance this band influenced the others on the bill for the evening. Surprisingly, the band still includes founding members John Tardy (Vocals), Donald Tardy (drums), and Trevor Peres (rhythm guitar). Obituary’s music had a more groove-thrash style to it, and had some great “headbanging” moments. Lead guitarist Kenny Andrews has some great “shred” skills and was playing amazing solos. Considering the band is the “elder statesmen” of the death metal style, they were still able to deliver on the energy level. I found them entertaining, but don’t see myself running out and buying up their music.

Third for the evening was the legendary death metal band Cannibal Corpse. The band was originally formed in Buffalo, New York in 1988 but eventually relocated to Tampa to join the death metal scene starting down in Florida (where Obituary started). So, they have been around for a few decades now. The band has created a ton of controversy over the years with graphically horrific album covers – If you are at all squeamish, do not look for the cover art – seriously, I warn you. I’ve also heard the lyrics are about some fairly gruesome stuff, but few are able to actually understand them. Having said that, the band is known for a few other things as well. They are featured for a few seconds in the 1994 movie Jim Carrey movie “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”. They have an amazing bass guitarist (Alex Webster) who can hold down the groove, while also able to keep up with the guitar riffs – as a bass player, I was impressed with Alex. Current lead vocalist/growler goes by the nickname “Corpsegrinder”. Corpsegrinder is a larger guy, but he has the biggest neck I’ve ever seen, and he can headband with hair twirl like you’ve never seen – this was very entertaining to watch. Corpsegrinder is said to be the influence for the lead singer in the cartoon band Dethklok (character “Nathan Explosion”). As a side note, it is said that Mr. Corpsegrinder is a master at the “claw machine” games, and takes his wife and 2 daughters to Disney World – so obviously doesn’t live the “death metal” styles off stage. For around 50 minutes, the band pummeled the audience with brutal death metal. The performance was entertaining, but I don’t see myself buying any music.

Cannibal Corpse video:

Finally we had the mighty Amon Amarth. Amon Amarth are a Swedish death metal band featuring lyrics and visuals from Viking folklore and myth. Wikipedia says the band name is “the Sindarin name of Mount Doom, a volcano in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.” So, “Lord of The Rings” nerd level influence.

When I first heard of their tour, I was amused to hear about the stage show which featured a Viking helmet drum riser, giant statues on each side of the stage, and a Viking ship. Well, the band could not fit the Viking ship and the statues on the stage, but the helmet drum riser was there. They also had someone dressed up as Viking god “Loki”, 2 people acting out sword battles, and lead singer Johan Hegg battling a giant inflatable serpent (Jörmungandr) with “Thor’s hammer”. So, visually the show was very entertaining.

Musically, the band was very tight and their style of death metal is not as brutal as the previous bands. In some way, Amon Amarth is a melodic version of death metal. Johan has a guttural shout and “roar”, but not the growl “cookie monster” vocals like Corpsegrinder. Both guitar players (Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg) were lead capable, and the drummer (Jocke Wallgren) was the hardest working man of the night.

As you will see in the video below, one amusing point of the Amon Amarth set is when they play the song “Put Your Back Into the Oar”, they ask the audience to sit and the floor and act out rowing the Viking ship. To see most of the floor standing audience sit on the floor and do a “row pit” was amusing – and a bit gross when we thought about what was on that floor after people had already been there for about 3 hours. But, fun to watch.

Overall, it was kind of a crazy and fun evening.

Photos and Video and Setlists below:

Amon Amarth Opening Video:

Amon Amarth “Row Pit” Video:

GLC Live was doing a good job of keeping the crowd safe on the floor – one security guy on the floor had “pit boss” on the back of his shirt. It appeared all crowd surfing ended safely, and mosh pits was generally watching out for each other.

Frozen Soul – 7 out of 10 stars – not bad but forgettable

Obituary – 8 out of 10 stars – some great moments

Cannibal Corpse – 8 out of 10 stars – talented band and fun to watch

Amon Amarth – 9 out of 10 stars – Entertaining show, talented band, great audience interaction

Here’s the Amon Amarth set list as posted to setlist.fm:

Here’s the Cannibal Corpse set list as posted to setlist.fm:

Here’s the Obituary set list as posted to setlist.fm: