LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Amon Amarth, Dethklok in Boston, MA (04.29.26)
There’s something to be said for going to a show with a very specific mission—and for me, that mission was Amon Amarth.
Taking over the stage at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston on April 29, 2026, the Swedish metal giants delivered exactly what I was hoping for: a full-blown, over-the-top spectacle that leans just as hard into theatricality as it does into crushing riffs.
The night technically kicked off with Castle Rat, who I unfortunately missed—but from everything I’ve seen and heard, their medieval-fantasy aesthetic and sound seem like a perfect fit for a lineup like this. Definitely one to circle back to.
Then came Amon Amarth, who I hadn’t seen since they opened for Ghost a couple years back at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield. Even then they made an impression—but headlining (or in this case, co-headlining) allows them to fully unleash the insanity of their production.
And “insanity” is the right word.
From the moment they hit the stage with “Raven’s Flight,” it was clear this wasn’t just a concert—it was a full Viking saga brought to life. The drummer is perched atop a massive Viking helmet, its eyeholes acting as LED screens that shift visuals from lightning storms to crashing waves to Viking ships depending on the song. Flanking the stage are towering Viking statues, while elevated platforms on both sides host performers dressed as warriors, swords and shields in hand—sometimes even engaging in staged combat.
Even if you’re not a death metal fan—and I wouldn’t call myself one—there’s no denying how engaging this is. The guitarists wield those classic flying V guitars like weapons, while frontman Johan Hegg (long gray hair, massive beard, and a commanding presence) leads the charge with intensity. He keeps a drinking horn nearby at all times, ready to rally the crowd with calls to “Raise your horns!” or “Drink from the horn!”
The production never lets up. There are simulated storms, bursts of smoke, a giant animatronic female head that interacts with the band mid-song, and—because why not—a massive inflatable dragon that appears later in the set to push things into full mythological chaos.
It walks a fascinating line between epic and borderline absurd. It’s almost like a medieval circus—so over-the-top it feels campy, but without the obvious wink. Whether they’re in on the joke or not doesn’t even matter; the commitment is total, and that’s what makes it work.
The highlight, without question, is “Put Your Back Into the Oar.” Instead of a traditional mosh pit, the band instructs the entire floor crowd to get down on their knees and row. And they do—hundreds of people rowing in unison, shouting “Row! Row! Row!” It’s ridiculous, hilarious, and genuinely one of the most entertaining crowd interactions you’ll ever see. In the growled words of Johan Hegg, “The Oooooaaar is yoooooooouuur best friend! Fuckin awesome!”
After that spectacle, headliners Dethklok took the stage. Known as the fictional band from Metalocalypse, their live show leans heavily on visuals from the series projected behind them.
While I was curious going in, their set just didn’t land for me. The sound was overwhelmingly loud to the point of losing clarity, making it hard to distinguish what was being screamed. The lighting didn’t help—heavy strobes, long stretches of darkness, and a relatively bare stage setup made it feel flat compared to what came before. There’s definitely a tongue-in-cheek element to Dethklok, but live, it didn’t translate into something engaging or memorable.
In the end, though, it didn’t really matter.
Amon Amarth delivered such a complete, immersive, and wildly entertaining performance that they alone justified the entire night. Even if you’re not deep into death metal, their show is a spectacle worth experiencing at least once. If you ever get the chance—take it. Just be ready to row.
Photos – Amon Amarth, Dethklok at MGM Music Hall in Boston, MA on April 29th:
