Amarth Amon have caused a real stir with the release of their latest album "With Oden on our Side". The last time they played on these shores, they played two UK dates with Wintersun and Tyr. Our Rebecca Cunningham was at one of those dates and managed to get a few moments with guitarist Olavi Mikkonen before the gig.

Metal Mayhem: You're almost to the end of the first leg of the tour. How's it been so far?
Olavi Mikkonen: It's been going well. All the Germany shows sold out straight away and the crowds have been crazy. The show in Bradford was a very crazy one. I found it strange, everyone was wild, it was a good show though!

MM: Do you find that your fan base varies from country to country?
OM: No not really, but the fans in Europe are really crazy when we play. British fans are cool, they always show ua so much support at the gigs.

MM: Personally, do you prefer the larger venues or the more intimate ones like tonight?
OM: The smaller venues are tight. I like seeing fans rock out! I would have to say the huge venues, I prefer those.

MM: For those people that haven't seen you guys play before, what can they expect?
OM: PURE METAL!! HAHA, Its loud.

MM: Some reviews of "With Oden On Our Side" have said it is your finest album that shows a more mature side of you all. Is there anything you have consciously done differently when you were writing and recording this album? OM: We worked much harder on this one. We rehearsed 7 days a week most weeks from 9am-5pm like it was our only job. We worked to a tighter schedule that we ever have before. We used a different producing style for the first time. "Fate Of Norns" was lacking something this album needed and we showed that in this album. Our only focus was producing music. MM: What are your favourite tracks form the new album? OM: I don't really have a favourite to be honest, but if I had to choose one I'd say I like playing the title track live the most.

MM: Do you have any new material in the pipeline at the moment? Anything planned for next year?
OM: We have ideas at the moment for new material, but they're just ideas. We are very busy at the moment and next year also looks busy for us. We have gigs and touring next year. We should have a new album out probably in 2008.

MM: Anything you would like to say to the fans?
OM: I'd like to say a big thank you to the old fans. To the new fans, come and see us play live! Stay Metal!!

If you missed the mighty Amon Amarth at the end of last year, make sure you catch them on the upcoming dates with Finntroll:

14.04.2007 - Nottingham, UK @ Rock City 
15.04.2007 - Dublin, IRE @ Temple Bar 
16.04.2007 - Cork, IRE @ An Cruiscin Lan
17.04.2007 - Glasgow, SCO @ Cathouse
18.04.2007 - London, UK @ Carling Academy
19.04.2007 - Manchester, UK @ The Club Academy