Amorphis – Elegy – Review

Amorphis

Elegy (Relapse)
by Paul Lee

Finland – an area of the world more noted for its dark days than its musical offerings. Considering the huge scenes in neighboring Norway and Sweden, can any band from this country make its mark ? While Sentenced and Impaled Nazarene have made small headway, it was Amorphis that broke through on their sophomore outing, Tales From The Thousand Lakes, which sold close to six figures worldwide and allowed them to tour extensively, bringing their progressive/death fusion to the underground masses. Which brings us to 1996, with Elegy hitting the shelves and consumers discovering whether these Finnish lads will deliver the goods again. This album differs in maturity, balance, and focus. Its eleven songs venture into Middle Eastern parts (“Better Unborn”) and double harmony guitar/keyboard passages (“Against Widows”) while developing a controlled, passionate sound. Lyrically based on Finnish literature staple The Kanteletar, Elegy also features new members Pekka Kasari, on drums, and “clean” vocalist Pasi Koskinen, who adds a melodious contrast to deep-throated vocalist/guitarist Tomi Koivusaari. Regular readers wishing to move beyond the expected notions of Relapse will be pleased with this album. Amorphis has a great future ahead if they continue producing fine music that isn’t afraid to acknowledge the past and yet avoids simply treading current waters. Elegy will stand the test of time.