This week’s episode of ‘Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?’ features Amon Amarth vocalist Johan Hegg!

During Johan’s visit to our studio, we got the Amon Amarth vocalist to prove what’s true and false about himself and Amon Amarth on Wikipedia. We started off talking about the band which Amon Amarth formed from, a grindcore act called Scum. Though the band wasn’t necessarily grind, Hegg told us about its dissolution and how Scum had a small impact in Sweden despite what Wikipedia would have you believe.

Wiki also details that Hegg’s towering stature and Thor-like growl provided the inspiration for Amon Amarth’s “viking metal” identity, though Johan won’t allow himself to take that credit. The website also reads Amon Amarth were afraid listeners would believe The Avenger was a ripoff of power metal act Hammerfall. Though Johan gave this theory the axe, he did describe a rather intense feud between Amon Amarth and Hammerfall from years ago.

Johan also schooled us on some Viking history and the historical theories behind the Valknut, an ancient Norse symbol related to the god Oden. Johan should know, as he was inspired by the Valknut to pen the fan favorite “With Oden on Our Side.”

We finish this Wiki segment with the reported fact that Amon Amarth dislike the “viking metal” label they’ve been pinned with. It’s not quite true, so Johan set the record straight.

Check out the Amon Amarth edition of ‘Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?’ above! To grab a copy of Amon Amarth’s newest album, Jomsviking, click here.

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