AMORPHIS - Circle
April 24, 2013, 11 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
Masterful stroke, adding gruff vocalist Tomi Joutsen. The fact his death metal background allows these Finns to not only relive their early glory years, but turn out some surprisingly mellow/tuneful psychedelic tinged material at the same time, is nothing short of amazing. Opening ‘Shades Of Grey’ belches forcefully forth, threatening to make more easy listening fans temporarily swear off AMORPHIS, but fret not, as the instrumental magic wonders through the AMON MARTH styled bravado. A more metered, mid-tempo ‘Mission’ follows, building to a speedier and damn catchy conclusion. At times, they verge on pop sensabilities (strong melodies, rudimentary musicianship), but then there’s a guttural tone or wild flight of guitar/keyboard fancy. The music can be enjoyed by oldtimers, without alienating “the children”. Elsehwere, the infectious ‘Narrowpath’ commences with a lilting, Celtic (?) sounding jig. Countrymen NIGHTWISH scored a minor hit with their rendition of GARY MOORE’s ‘Over The Hills And Far Away’, so I can see this one going down a storm in Suomi. ‘Nightbird’s Song’ juxtaposes beautifully airy flute/pipe and heavy handed death growl. Somehow it all works, magnificently. Piano kicks off the bouncy ‘Into The Abyss’, while the stylized start of ‘Hopeless Days’ threatens to unleash DIMMU-ish black metal. It never materializes, Joutsen employing his clean voice on a smooth jangly number. Expect, no, relish the unexpected!
