“The metal event of the year in Ireland”, is how Limerick promoters Bad Reputation IRL accurately describe the announcement that Amon Amarth and Behemoth will perform outdoors in King John’s Castle on Monday June 17.

Sweden’s Amon Amarth are about to release their 11th album in the coming months. The melodic death metal band have over a million followers and focus their lyrics on Viking mythology and history.

Also on the bill is Polish multi award winning black metallers Behemoth touring their record ‘I Loved You At Your Darkest’.

Long touted on these pages as the perfect venue for a headline metal gig, the castle’s location, atmosphere and centuries of history will be a magnificent backdrop for the best metal shows on tour.

Amon Amarth, (yes, their drums sit on top of a giant viking helmet) and Behemoth will rock the foundations of King John’s Norman castle built in 1200 which is built on a Viking site that dates back to 922.

Tickets €49.50 go on sale Thursday March 7 at 10am via dolans.ie.