Music

Listen to Amon Amarth's cover of System of a Down's "Aerials"

by Tyler Munro

Viking-themed death metal is a sub-genre that’s far more saturated than you might realize, and nobody does it better than Sweden’s Amon Amarth. It’s this realization that makes what you’re about to hear all the more unexpected.

Back in January, Amon Amarth were one of the headliners on the four day metal cruise 70,000 Tons of Metal. One night, presumably under the influence of mead (or, y’know, beer), their vocalist Johan Hegg took part in some heavy metal karaoke. He performed System of a Down’s “Aerials” and he did it so well that the band decided to record a version of the song as a bonus track for Sutur Rising, their new album due out next week.

That’s right: Amon Amarth—a band known for their unrelenting tales of viking mythology and blood splattered battles—covered System of a Down’s “Aerials,” an alt. metal track about, well…honestly, we’re not sure. Waterfalls? Yeah, that’s probably it. Or maybe it’s about antennae?

The track is included as a download for anyone who pre-orders Sutur Rising through US chain FYE in advance of its March 29 release. It’s also an iTunes bonus track, but where’s the fun in waiting? Listen to Amon Amarth’s cover of “Aerials” below and be sure to make note of how Hegg handles Serj Tankian’s unique vibrato (hint: he doesn’t).

“Aerials” is originally taken from System of a Down’s Toxicity.