The Crusher is basically a perfect all-round Amon Amarth album. Here you get everything that you expect from the band. Bone breaking heaviness, epic melodies and powerful vocal work from Johan Hegg. The album doesn't have any particular flaws actually; it is just that many of the tracks are on the same level of greatness. No tracks really suck but there are no tracks that are overly superb either. The Crusher is more or less a perfect album for those who want to get into the band. If you like Viking-themed melodic death metal then I would suggest that you get this album. ''Releasing Surtur's Fire'', ''As Long As The Raven Flies'' and ''Bastards Of A Lying Breed'' are highly recommended.
I only give this album an average rating because by this point, the band's music had become pretty stale. There were a few expections here and there on this album, but more or less this feels too much like Versus the World or The Avenger for me to pay much other attention to outside a couple listens. Thank god the band (somewhat) broke out of this little repeticious slump.
