Review by Kate on March 15, 2011.

As a long-time Amon Amarth fan, my heart always starts pumping just a little bit faster when they have a new album coming out. “The Avenger” and “The Crusher” were and still are albums of greatness, not to mention 2006’s “With Oden On Our Side”. 2008’s “Twilight Of The Thunder God” fell nothing short of amazing and I can say with all confidence that “Surtur Rising” is a phenomenal piece of crushing metal.

The album art alone shows the complexity of these Vikings, as you can see the great Surtur in the back with his flaming sword about to deal his wrath the meek humans who are running away in terror. This, if you think about it, represents Amon Amarth who delivers their music with such passion and integrity that anyone weaker than they, run away in pure panic (deep right???)

'War Of The Gods' opens with speed and aggressive vocals that are supplied by Johan Hegg and eventually delves more into a melodic landscape that has the sounds of battle in the background. The second track, 'Tock’s Taunt- Loke’s Treachery Part II' is a follow up of 'Hermod’s Ride To Hel-Loke’s Treachery Part I' from the 2006 “Oden” album and carries more of the traditional Amon Amarth war cry. 'Destroyer Of The Universe' pummels you with shredding guitar riffs supplied by Johan Soderberg and Olavi Mikkonen and incredible drum work from Fredrik Andersson while Ted Lundsrom’s solid bass playing carries a lot of power and keeps the tempo moving throughout the track.

When Amon Amarth creates an album, they create a story and when you listen to it feels like your being taken through the story with them. From the bloody battlegrounds to the great kingdom halls to the quiet villages along the countryside you feel like you’re a part of it. You can see Surtur gathering his sword to battle his enemies and dominate over the Earth. “Surtur Rising” is not just an album it’s a fantastic tale that’s presented with honor and dignity. This is some of the band’s most dynamic work yet and I cannot emphasize enough how you need to pick up a copy when this is released!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10.0
Atmosphere: 10.0
Production: 9.0
Orginality: 10.0
Overall: 10.0

Rating: 9.8 out 10

Review by JD on June 24, 2009.

Coming across as this really interesting musical bridge between Hard Rock, Classic Rock, some Progressive elements that all are beefed up with straight ahead party time metal... Toronto, Canada’s Ape stands as this rather set aside oddity on the music landscape. This quirky yet talented band seems to really set themselves up in the roll of different.

Seriously they come across as this odd cross-bred sort of animal that has parts of System Of A Down, April Wine and Nickleback sandwiched with metallized versions of The Tragically Hip and the classic Rush thrown in there for good measures. They take it all of their influences, put it in a blender and what comes out is originality with listenability.

One listen to the brilliantly penned ‘Messin’ Around With Love’ seems like it could possibly be a radio hit on any modern rock station anywhere while ‘Beyond The Depths Of Reality’ is a melodic metallic styled romp that is so hard to ignore because the melody sticks in your head and refuses to leave. With so many musical weapons in their arsenal... it is hard to dismiss this remarkable band.

Some rather bad production decisions in some places takes away a little from the bands performance, but the album is one that I found to be interesting every time I played it. Ape seems to be shooting on all cylinders as they make their own way through the mass changes of musical ideas. They are clearly some of the strongest musicians and are also as equally strong as songwriters as well. It just seems to pay off to being different... in the rock scene in Canada, they are..

Ape’s "Survival Of The Fittest" album seems to grow on you like a fine wine or a really well brewed beer. I have to say that I do want them to explore a little bit more on their heavier (metal) side of the band. A tad bit more than what they do... but as it stands now I won’t complain very much with what this is either. It is good... but it could be a touch better.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 7
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 8

Rating: 8 out of 10