Amon Amarth Surprise Fans with First-Ever Acoustic Song "Upphaf" Ahead of New Album

After more than three decades of thunderous riffs, Viking battles and colossal live productions, Amon Amarth have taken an unexpected turn by releasing "Upphaf", the first acoustic song of their career.

Available now via Metal Blade Records, the track arrives alongside an official music video directed by Pavel Trebukhinand serves as the first glimpse into the band's upcoming thirteenth studio album, which is currently in the works. While no title or release date has been announced yet, frontman Johan Hegg has previously hinted that fans can expect one of the band's most diverse records to date, blending fresh musical ideas without losing the unmistakable Amon Amarth identity.

Rather than relying on crushing riffs and relentless double bass, "Upphaf" embraces a stripped-back, cinematic atmosphere inspired by Old Norse tradition. Built around hypnotic acoustic melodies, choral arrangements and Hegg's unmistakable voice, the song feels more like an ancient saga told around a longhouse fire than a conventional metal single. The result is a surprisingly immersive piece that explores the band's fascination with Norse mythology from an entirely different perspective.

Produced by Jacob Hansen, "Upphaf" is described as the calm before the storm, acting as a bridge toward the heavier material that will appear on Amon Amarth's next studio album.

The release also comes ahead of an extensive UK and European headline tour this autumn. The run kicks off on 9 October in Manchester before visiting London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid and many other cities across Europe. Hegg has also teased an upgraded stage production featuring an extended set and even more ambitious visuals than previous tours.

Whether "Upphaf" represents a one-off experiment or a sign of a broader musical evolution remains to be seen. Either way, it proves that even after more than thirty years, Amon Amarth are still willing to challenge expectations while staying firmly rooted in the Viking spirit that has defined their career.

Amon Amarth Live Dates

UK:

Oct 09: England - Manchester, O2 Apollo

Oct 10: England - London, Eventim Apollo

Oct 11: England - Wolverhampton, Civic Hall

EU:

Oct 13: France - Paris, Zenith

Oct 14: Luxembourg - Esch sur Alzette, Rockhal

Oct 16: Germany - Stuttgart, Schleyer-Halle

Oct 17: Germany - Frankfurt, Festhalle

Oct 18: Belgium - Antwerp, Lotto Hall

Oct 20: Netherlands - Den Bosch, Mainstage

Oct 21: Germany - Hamburg, Sporthalle

Oct 23: Sweden - Gothenburg, Scandinavium

Oct 24: Sweden - Stockholm, Hovet

Oct 26: Finland - Helsinki, Ice Hall

Oct 27: Estonia - Tallin, Unibet Arena

Oct 29: Poland - Gliwice, PreZero Arena Gliwice

Oct 30: Germany - Leipzig, Quarterback Immobilien Arena

Oct 31: Germany - Oberhausen, Rudolf Weber Arena

Nov 02: Hungary - Budapest, Barba Negra

Nov 03: Austria - Vienna, Gasometer

Nov 04: Germany - Bamberg, Brose Arena

Nov 06: Czech Republic - Prague, O2 Universum

Nov 07: Germany - Berlin, Velodrom

Nov 08: Germany - Munich, Zenith

Nov 10: Italy - Milan, Alcatraz

Nov 11: Switzerland - Zurich, The Hall

Nov 13: Spain - Barcelona, Sant Jordi Club

Nov 14: Spain - Madrid, Vistalegre

Nov 15: Portugal - Lisbon, Sala Tejo

The Riff Collective