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THE REVIEW
Fantasy.
It's what comes to mind when listening to these five tracks created by the Finnish Amorphis in 1997 as a follow-up to the valuable and seminal "Elegy". In fact, the more pronounced progressive aspect is highlighted and amplified in a way that our predecessors never accustomed us to.
With all references to death outbursts gone, we are faced with highly unpredictable tracks characterized by the use of the new singer Koskinen, with Koivusaari relegated to the role of rhythm guitarist. Introduced by the out-take "My Kantele" from "Elegy", we are transported into dreamy atmospheres by this wonderful folk ballad, where Pasi's delicate voice intertwines with classic guitars and a delightful Hammond. All marked by prog-flavored drumming, driving but with very soft touches. Truly skillful is the performance of Pekka Kasari, famous for his acrobatic "turns" in the fellow thrashers Stone.
The following "The brother-slayer" and "The lost son" reveal themselves to be twins both in lyricism (originating from Kanteletar) and in musical proposal. The first delights us with soft arpeggios, atmospheric keys and a very "easy" chorus, highly melodic and effective. Epicity dueting with seventies-style prog-rock for a combination full of genuine originality. The second, entirely instrumental, continues the ethereal-symphonic approach, enriches itself with grand class Floydian solos, accentuates the melancholic aspect in their sound and reveals a surprising (but not too much) technical skill.
The last two tracks are covers of the progsters Hawkwind and the Finnish Kingston Wall, respectively. Testifying to the band's love for experimentation, they are performed here with originality, grit, and energy. Interesting is the growl-clean combination in "And i hear you call" (Kingston Wall) and the lively guitar harmonies in "Levitation" (Hawkwind). This short work will serve to introduce Helsinki combo fans to the radical changes that will make them unique, but also highly criticized and abandoned by extreme metal fans.
Precious and classy.
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Summary by Bot
My Kantele is a 1997 EP by Finnish band Amorphis that highlights their progressive and folk influences. Featuring new vocalist Koskinen, the EP offers dreamy ballads, instrumental complexity, and creative covers. The music departs from their earlier death metal style, embracing softer, more melodic atmospheres. This release foreshadows a bold new direction for the band that divided their metal audience. A precious and classy work overall.Tracklist Lyrics
Amorphis
Amorphis is a Finnish metal band known for evolving from early death metal into a melodic death/progressive style often enriched by keyboards and folk elements, with recurring lyrical inspiration drawn from Finnish mythology and traditional poetry.23 Reviews
