Amorphis Eclipse
Nuclear Blast Records NB1596-2 February 10th, 2006; March 21st, 2006 (USA)
By Jason Jordan
The last Amorphis album actually worth listening to was 1999s Tuonela, and some would even argue that these Finns havent released anything worthwhile since Elegy in 1996. In other words, Am Universum and Far from the Sun showed a great deal of deviation from the bands previous works, leaving me disappointed as I thought yet another quality group had sputtered one too many times and were due to break down at any given minute. Though I do miss Pasi Koskinens (Ajattara) trademark growls and clean voice, the new kid Tomi Joutsen (Sinisthra) does a great job here. Eclipse is in short a triumphant return to form for a troupe that Id lost hope in.
Before their latest dropped, most of the debate centered on whether Joutsen would be able to ascend the vocal throne and rule with ease. Thankfully, his multi-faceted approach is commendable insomuch as his polished singing is emotive and fits the music perfectly, while his growls though not ubiquitous are magnificent as well. From Two Moons, its obvious that the keyboards are out in full regiment this time around, reminding me of Elegy more than any other Amorphis record. Needless to say, the songs on Eclipse are catchy as hell, and perhaps the benchmark of this particular album is none other than House of Sleep, which is a brilliant take on melodic metal. The edgy riffs, piano/synthesizer injections, and Joutsens masterful techniques push House of Sleep to not only exemplary status, but far beyond. There are still lighter, airier numbers and sections in place, though, as the beginning of Leaves Scar, Under a Soil and Black Stone, and The Smoke will attest. Nevertheless, I find myself enjoying the harder aspects of this Finnish outfit, seen in the determined Born from Fire, the spiraling beast-like Perkele (The God of Fire), and the Irish-influenced Brother Moon. A tune such as Empty Opening brings the sky to mind instantaneously due to the expansive keyboards and lyrics, whereas the others conjure much different settings.
All in all, I wont pretend I know where Amorphis mustered such inspiration for a powerful comeback, if you will, but I do know that Eclipse is something that all kinds of fans (past and present alike) will adore. Overall, these ten songs form a conglomeration of exceptional music undoubtedly the product of experience and just plain know-how. I sincerely believe this is one of the best efforts well see in 2006, and Im overjoyed to have these guys making music that I can fully enjoy. Its been a while, but the prodigal son has evidently returned.
9/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Amorphis Website
Official Nuclear Blast Records Website
Nuclear Blast Records NB1596-2 February 10th, 2006; March 21st, 2006 (USA)
By Jason Jordan
The last Amorphis album actually worth listening to was 1999s Tuonela, and some would even argue that these Finns havent released anything worthwhile since Elegy in 1996. In other words, Am Universum and Far from the Sun showed a great deal of deviation from the bands previous works, leaving me disappointed as I thought yet another quality group had sputtered one too many times and were due to break down at any given minute. Though I do miss Pasi Koskinens (Ajattara) trademark growls and clean voice, the new kid Tomi Joutsen (Sinisthra) does a great job here. Eclipse is in short a triumphant return to form for a troupe that Id lost hope in.
Before their latest dropped, most of the debate centered on whether Joutsen would be able to ascend the vocal throne and rule with ease. Thankfully, his multi-faceted approach is commendable insomuch as his polished singing is emotive and fits the music perfectly, while his growls though not ubiquitous are magnificent as well. From Two Moons, its obvious that the keyboards are out in full regiment this time around, reminding me of Elegy more than any other Amorphis record. Needless to say, the songs on Eclipse are catchy as hell, and perhaps the benchmark of this particular album is none other than House of Sleep, which is a brilliant take on melodic metal. The edgy riffs, piano/synthesizer injections, and Joutsens masterful techniques push House of Sleep to not only exemplary status, but far beyond. There are still lighter, airier numbers and sections in place, though, as the beginning of Leaves Scar, Under a Soil and Black Stone, and The Smoke will attest. Nevertheless, I find myself enjoying the harder aspects of this Finnish outfit, seen in the determined Born from Fire, the spiraling beast-like Perkele (The God of Fire), and the Irish-influenced Brother Moon. A tune such as Empty Opening brings the sky to mind instantaneously due to the expansive keyboards and lyrics, whereas the others conjure much different settings.
All in all, I wont pretend I know where Amorphis mustered such inspiration for a powerful comeback, if you will, but I do know that Eclipse is something that all kinds of fans (past and present alike) will adore. Overall, these ten songs form a conglomeration of exceptional music undoubtedly the product of experience and just plain know-how. I sincerely believe this is one of the best efforts well see in 2006, and Im overjoyed to have these guys making music that I can fully enjoy. Its been a while, but the prodigal son has evidently returned.
9/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Amorphis Website
Official Nuclear Blast Records Website
