Words by Skye Rickman.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – September 9, 2025 – From the moment I arrived for VIP check-in at 4:30, I knew this was going to be more than just another metal concert—it was an event. The staff handed out signed comic books, a soft Heidrun towel, and a cool sling bag. The real highlight, though, was getting to meet the band face-to-face. It’s not every day you stand across from musicians who feel larger than life, but in person, they were down to earth. They answered every question thrown their way and posed for photos as if they had nowhere else to be. For a few minutes, it was just a handful of die-hard fans and their Viking heroes.
Before the main crowd poured in, I went over to the merch stand and had my pick of the best shirts and hoodies I’ve seen at a show. If you’ve never heard of Amon Amarth, do yourself a favor and dive in. Their music is a force, and their passion is infectious.
As the sun began to set, the energy around the venue shifted. By showtime, the crowd was buzzing—everyone was ready. The opening notes of “Guardians of Asgaard” exploded from the stage, and the entire amphitheater surged forward. After waiting twenty years for Amon Amarth to finally play this area, hearing those songs live felt almost unreal. There’s something magical about being surrounded by people who know every word, who move as one to the relentless drums and roaring vocals.
There were moments that will stick with me forever. During “Put Your Back Into the Oar,” the crowd transformed into a sea of Vikings, hundreds of fans dropping into their seats to row in unison, arms pumping, voices raised. The night hit its peak with “Twilight of the Thunder God,” the perfect closer—an eruption of sound, lights, and pure adrenaline.
A word about the venue: Saratoga Performing Arts Center is truly one of a kind. It’s the kind of place that makes any show feel special. The staff went above and beyond, always quick with a smile or a helpful tip, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable.
All in all, this was the best show I’ve seen all year. If Amon Amarth is coming to your city, don’t miss them. And if you ever have the chance to see a concert at SPAC, take it. Both are unforgettable in their own right.
Setlist
Guardians of Asgaard
Shield Wall
The Pursuit of Vikings
Deceiver of the Gods
Put Your Back Into the Oar
We Rule the Waves
The Way of Vikings
Raise Your Horns
Twilight of the Thunder God
