Outstanding album. Probably on my 3rd listen since last night. What a complete return to form, but most importantly WELL WRITTEN SONGS!! The new singer is awesome (real strength, singing from his gut sorta thing).
Great combination in styles now as well.
Think (in order of obvious influences):
Amorphis (as you know them from Elegy/Tuonela - including very occasional growls)
+
Gary Moore (yep, lots of heavy rock celtic influence a la "Over the Hills and Far Away") - some of the songs here could be a 'sequel' of sorts
+
The Cult ("Sonic Temple" era, just fantastic pedal point riffs blasting out their Les Pauls)
+
Anathema (just a touch of "Alternative" 4 era style)
STANDOUT SONGS:
"House of Sleep" -- yes, yes, YEEES!!!
"Leaves Scar" -- if this song does not make you do this -> you are gay, dead, and lying
"Brother Moon" -- holy shit!!!
"Empty Opening" -- yikes!
But seriously, the whole album is great.
I think even those who didn't like previous Amorphis (e.g. NAD) should dig this.
Great combination in styles now as well.
Think (in order of obvious influences):
Amorphis (as you know them from Elegy/Tuonela - including very occasional growls)
+
Gary Moore (yep, lots of heavy rock celtic influence a la "Over the Hills and Far Away") - some of the songs here could be a 'sequel' of sorts
+
The Cult ("Sonic Temple" era, just fantastic pedal point riffs blasting out their Les Pauls)
+
Anathema (just a touch of "Alternative" 4 era style)
STANDOUT SONGS:
"House of Sleep" -- yes, yes, YEEES!!!
"Leaves Scar" -- if this song does not make you do this -> you are gay, dead, and lying
"Brother Moon" -- holy shit!!!
"Empty Opening" -- yikes!
But seriously, the whole album is great.
I think even those who didn't like previous Amorphis (e.g. NAD) should dig this.