•
Rating: One of the most influential bands in the avantgarde metal scene returns three years after the beautiful "Far from the sun". And once again, Amorphis presents us with some truly interesting novelties. First and foremost is the departure of Pasi Koskinen in favor of the new (talented) Tomi Joutsen, and it is probably this change that causes a significant shift in the sound of the Helsinki sextet.
In fact, with the contribution of the new singer, who is more interested in reviving the aggressive sounds, we are faced with an amalgam that fully embraces their very original discography.
The first three chapters are a clear example: indeed, especially "Two Moons" and "Leaves Scar" combine unpredictable folk melodies with powerful guitar riffs that have a slightly heavy-death flavor that take us back to the times of the fairy-tale "Tales from the thousand lakes"!
The album continues to be rich in emotion in the power-melody fusion and reaches its highest peaks with the track "The Smoke": here Amorphis creates a masterpiece with a fantastic piano opening followed by powerful guitar work and an inspired vocal performance, teetering between the guttural of their early days and the clean typical of their latest works. A stunning track, worth the purchase alone!
But the sonic storm doesn't end here as the grand finale is reserved for the engaging "Brother Moon" and "Empty Opening". The first has a folk flair, reminding closely of "The castaway" (for the most devoted fans) and Tomi remains in the spotlight with his chameleon-like attitude that allows the Finns to vary more compared to the past. The second turns out to be romantic, supported by very melancholic keyboard melodies that once again recall previous albums (this time I feel like mentioning "Elegy").
Also worth mentioning is the bonus track "Stonewoman", perhaps a bit radio-friendly but with a chorus that will immediately stick in your mind.
Ultimately, Amorphis has recaptured the energy and groove of the past by combining it with the melancholic notes typical of "Tuonela" and its more recent works in a truly original way, giving longtime fans an album that will take them back at least ten years.
To conclude, I note the skill of the new singer who impressed me with his energetic charge and technical capabilities even live. A most welcome return for one of the pioneering bands of melodic death that few have managed to match even today!!
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 House of Sleep (04:15)
'''House Of Sleep'''
''[music: Holopainen, lyrics: Joutsen]''
I will never sleep alone (never without you)
Whatever you say to me
I already know
If I said something to you
You would take those words
There's so much power in those words
(You don't know) You don't know nothing yet
About the dreams I have
I will make you sleep
(You don't know) You don't know nothing yet
About the dreams I have
Sleep is a house for lovers
You will be the mistress (of that house)
You will be given the wide belt
And the big key to the gate
If I said something to you
You would take those words
There's so much power in those words
Loading comments slowly
Other reviews
By Fidia
The album is full of influences from different genres, from electronics to folk, from '70s atmospheres to Celtic music.
In conclusion, this album deserves overall a passing grade for a band that would surely have become one of the most representative forces in the European scene.
