amorphis the beginning of times

Released: 27 May 2011 Label: Nuclear Blast

Ten albums and twenty years into a career that has never been predictable, Amorphis could perhaps be forgiven for trading water, if not completely running dry of creativity.

But the Finns are having none of it and with The Beginning of Times they have once again forged ahead and created an album full of twists and surprises, which further cements their status as leaders of their particular pack.

Conceptually, The Beginning of Times focuses on an iconic figure in Finnish folklore named Vainamoinen, but should you choose not to delve into the lyrical themes, there is more than enough musically to make this a great record.

One of the key successes of these twelve tracks is the constant use of deceptively simple yet evocative recurring melodies throughout. Opener Battle for Light is a prime example, but it’s when the band experiment with the formula as on Song of the Sage”that it really pays dividends; no matter how far Amorphis travel on their regular flights of progressive rock fancy, there is always a beautiful melody to return to, grounding both band and listener.

The record is sublimely crafted artistically and in terms of their writing and playing the band is at the top of their game, but the effect is highlighted by a wonderfully warm and sympathetic production. The nicely reverbed guitar tones are particularly stunning and Marco Hietala (Nightwish / Tarot) has also excelled in getting some wonderful performances from vocalist Tomi Joutsen.

Heavy, melodic, adventurous and light years ahead of many of their competitors, this is another pinnacle in a career which shows no signs of slowing down.

by Marcus Jervis