Finnish melodic death metallers Amorphis have been on the scene since back in 1990. They recorded their only demo ‘Disment of Soul’ in January 1991 at Timo Tolkki’s (Stratovarious) studio which shortly after caught the attention of Relapse Records USA whom they signed with in May that year (but ended in 1993) and released their first single in 1992. In 1993 they finally released their first full length album titled ‘The Karelian Isthmus’ on Nuclear Blast and all went steady until the release of the popular Finnish heritage inspired album ‘Tales from the Thousand Lakes’. The album had positive and fast popularity which came as a surprise to the band - this opened doors to busy tour schedules, which unfortunately took its toll on keyboardist Kasper Mårtenson who decided to leave the band, soon replaced by Kim Rantala.
More line-up changes, including a new front man (but now seemingly settled as a band), a further 11 albums released (including best of compilations) and now in 2010 Amorphis are releasing another greatest hits type compilation from the first three albums. The album titled ‘Magic and Mayhem’ takes no prisoners with the re-recorded classics.
Wasting no time with the first and album titled track ‘Magic and Mayhem’ it plummets in with the haunting riffs that we all know and love from Amorphis. After an approximate 45 seconds the vocals kick in, the magnificent growls of Tomi Joutsen that can make even the sturdiest hard-assed metaller horripilate. ‘Black Winter Day’ is admittedly one of my favourites and is definitely one of those tracks to just sit back and listen to while slowly nodding your head. The impressive vocals and doomy yet still Finnish sounding emotional riffs sound just beautiful!
A few other tracks to mention include ‘The Castaway’ with its uplifting intro riff, angry growling and somehow some noise that feels like you’re playing on an old Sega game. The riff throughout feels different and somewhat eastern inspired. ‘Sign of the North’ is an aggressive track with its evil growls and thrashy/grinding guitar work. The steady bass lines and drumming patterns making it perfect for a good old head bang. Of course I had to mention the bonus and last track on the album (sorry to those who I’m spoiling the surprise) it’s a cover of The Doors ‘Light My Fire’ - not the best cover I’ve ever heard but certainly it’s a cracker and gave me a good giggle. Definitely worth a listen for the cheese factor I’d say!
The album throughout is superb! The production work amazing (it has to be with a quality band like Amorphis) the vocals just seemingly getting better. Amorphis are down this neck of the woods in November so make sure you check them out, you won’t be disappointed!
http://www.amorphis.net
