Some albums just sound like the gods were actually in the studio. ⚔️
Amon Amarth’s “With Oden on Our Side” is one of those records. Released in 2006, it brought together crushing riffs, huge melodies and Johan Hegg unmistakable roar with enough Viking atmosphere to make you want to raise a horn and start a war.
But which tracks stand tallest?
Cry of the Black Birds
One of the biggest fan favorites on the album “Cry of the Black Birds” has everything Amon Amarth fans want: a driving rhythm, memorable melodic hooks and that unmistakable combination of brutality and melody.
It’s also the kind of track that feels made for the live stage.
Runes to My Memory
Heavy, mid-paced and absolutely massive.
“Runes to My Memory” gives Johan Hegg plenty of room to unleash his powerful vocals while the guitars deliver classic melodic death metal goodness. It became such a fan favorite that it eventually reached an entirely new audience through the heavy metal radio station in the 2011 video game Saints Row: The Third.
Valhall Awaits Me
The album comes out swinging.
“Valhall Awaits Me” opens “With Oden on Our Side” with blistering riffs and an aggressive attack that immediately sets the tone. No long warm-up. No waiting around. Amon Amarth basically kicks the door down from the first track.
Under the Northern Star
Heavy, marching and huge.
“Under the Northern Star” is another fan favorite, built around a triumphant Viking-themed chorus and a rhythm that feels like an army marching toward battle.
It’s one of those songs where the atmosphere is just as important as the riffs.
Gods of War Arise
If you want the balance between Amon Amarth brutality and soaring melody “Gods of War Arise” delivers both.
It hits hard but still carries the melodic guitar work that makes the band instantly recognizable.
More With Oden on Our Side trivia
“With Oden on Our Side” was a major milestone for Amon Amarth, becoming their first album to break onto the Billboard charts reaching No. 15 on the Top Heatseekers chart and No. 26 on the Independent Albums chart.
The album also marked the band’s first collaboration with producer Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. The production moved them away from the slightly muddy sound of Fate of Norns and back toward a more brutal, aggressive sound.
And the title wasn’t just about looking cool on a Viking-themed album cover. Johan Hegg explained that the band felt an incredible wave of inspiration during the writing and recording process almost as if the Norse gods really were backing them.
Then there’s that artwork: Odin riding his legendary eight-legged horse Sleipnir, alongside the Valknut symbol.
And closing the album is the epic six-minute “Prediction of Warfare” written from the first-person perspective of a Viking warrior taking part in a historic foray against the Irish.
The lineup was the classic Amon Amarth roster of the era:
Johan Hegg – Vocals
Olavi Mikkonen – Lead Guitar
Johan Söderberg – Rhythm Guitar
Ted Lundström – Bass
Fredrik Andersson – Drums
Now comes the real battle…
Which track is your favorite from “With Oden on Our Side”?
Is it “Cry of the Black Birds”? “Runes to My Memory”? Or does another track take the crown?
🤘 Vote for your favorite!
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