Amorphis Far from the Sun
Nuclear Blast Records September 14th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
The good news is that Far from the Sun puts 2001s Am Universum to shame; the bad news is that Amorphis most recent release doesnt outshine much else of their catalogue.
This album starts off with two highly energized songs, in Day of Your Beliefs and Planetary Misfortune. The former outing is unmistakably Amorphis due to its lofty synthesizer/organ interjections and Koskinens trademark vocalizations. Dont be led astray because of its average pace. It is most assuredly one of the better songs in the bands repertoire. Planetary Misfortune serves to heighten the enjoyment as whimsical melodies and a relatively fast pace riddle the track. Evil Inside makes me think that the sextet have been listening to 70s psychedelic acts, as does Ethereal Solitude. In any case, the performers retain the sound thats been ever-present [in their music] since the mid-nineties. The sonics are familiar, along with the traditional Amorphis melodies. In other words, the band never shies away from comfortableness. And maybe thats their greatest downfall.
If youre seeking top-notch doom/death metal, look no further than Tales from the Thousand Lakes. If youre searching for brilliant folkish metal (devoid of death vocals), look no further than Elegy. And, if youre looking for a hybrid of both, Tuonela should satisfy you. Far from the Sun, however, probably wont find its way into your CD collection. The band have such an extensive discography that their lesser compelling works will fall by the wayside. This output seems doomed to that said fate.
7/10
Official Amorphis website
Official Nuclear Blast Records website
Nuclear Blast Records September 14th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
The good news is that Far from the Sun puts 2001s Am Universum to shame; the bad news is that Amorphis most recent release doesnt outshine much else of their catalogue.
This album starts off with two highly energized songs, in Day of Your Beliefs and Planetary Misfortune. The former outing is unmistakably Amorphis due to its lofty synthesizer/organ interjections and Koskinens trademark vocalizations. Dont be led astray because of its average pace. It is most assuredly one of the better songs in the bands repertoire. Planetary Misfortune serves to heighten the enjoyment as whimsical melodies and a relatively fast pace riddle the track. Evil Inside makes me think that the sextet have been listening to 70s psychedelic acts, as does Ethereal Solitude. In any case, the performers retain the sound thats been ever-present [in their music] since the mid-nineties. The sonics are familiar, along with the traditional Amorphis melodies. In other words, the band never shies away from comfortableness. And maybe thats their greatest downfall.
If youre seeking top-notch doom/death metal, look no further than Tales from the Thousand Lakes. If youre searching for brilliant folkish metal (devoid of death vocals), look no further than Elegy. And, if youre looking for a hybrid of both, Tuonela should satisfy you. Far from the Sun, however, probably wont find its way into your CD collection. The band have such an extensive discography that their lesser compelling works will fall by the wayside. This output seems doomed to that said fate.
7/10
Official Amorphis website
Official Nuclear Blast Records website
I own the entire discography of Amorphis, but it's been a while since I've listened to anything except Far from the Sun.
