Amon Amarth has been churning out face-melting, Nordic-lore-inspired epic metal for the past twenty years. Much like the delicious casserole at your grandma’s house, you’ll never see much change in the recipe, but the experience will be consistent and satisfying. The band’s latest opus, “Deceiver of the Gods,” finds the group in their proven form, with vocalist Johan Hegg’s usual demonic growl matched with the majestic, dual guitar riffage from guitarists Johan Söderberg and Olavi Mikkonen that would be right at home on a Maiden release. Production-wise, however, “Deceiver” sounds a bit slick and toothless compared to a more aggressive release like 2008’s “Twilight of the Thunder God.” But after two decades of consistency, it’s not easy for any metal band to keep their bite. Still, the band puts on a dynamic, entertaining show (if a bit canned these days) that will surely inspire much beer-cup hefting and air-guitar playing from their devoted fans. Enslaved and Skeletonwitch open. (Keidra Chaney)
February 7 at House of Blues, 329 North Dearborn, (312)923-2000. 8pm. $25 (advance). 17+.
Brutal Finesse: A Preview of King Crimson at Ravinia There have been few new compositions from King Crimson these past two decades, but the live arrangements of songs from its catalog are often strikingly different than the recorded versions.
