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Amorphis: The beginning of times

14/07/11 || revenant

I have to admit that every time Amorphis releases a new album I find myself secretly wanting another “Elegy”, only to be disappointed with each new outing. Sure, their recent outputs in “Eclipse” and “Silent Waters” have both been very commendable, but “Elegy” they are not. There is no doubt that since Tomi Joutsen joined Amorphis their output has improved considerably, but their newer works have always given me the feeling Amorphis are just playing it safe and within themselves. The thing that made “Elegy” (and “Tales from the Thousand Lakes” to a degree as well come to think of it) so spectacular was the sheer boundary pushing creativity and experimentation which lacks in their modern works. Yes, I know it’s harder to try something completely crazy when you are an established band (unless you carry the ungodly arrogance of Morbid Angel and think you can release anything and have the world suck your dick for it), but with the release of “The Beginning of Times” there is an undeniable feeling that we’ve heard this all before.

Let’s face it, Amorphis of today has a pretty established sound: simple heavy riffs heavily textured with keyboards overlaying melody and Tomi’s outstanding singing (and occasional growls) over the top. Aside from the inclusion of female vocals either adding harmonies (“Mermaid” for example) or taking a larger role in providing back-up vocals (“Soothsayer”), there really isn’t anything new on the sound established from “Skyforger”. Sure, there are a few more growls than I had expected (particularly early in the album) but these are soon forgotten in the softer and lighter textures the band moves through as the album progresses. The second half, in particular, has quite a few soothing songs.

Of course, I probably wouldn’t think lowly of the album’s samey-ness if Amorphis had put together 12 stunning tracks. More to the point, this is probably why I bemoan the lack of inventiveness on “The Beginning of Times”. There really isn’t any stand out material on this album. “Battle for Light”, “You I Need” and “Escape” are the best tracks on the album, but I wouldn’t go any farther than calling these solid songs. Brilliant they are not. There really isn’t any great hook anywhere on “The Beginning of Times”. I’ve sat and listened to this album quite a few times through now and each time I’ve waited in vain for the big hook. There isn’t one. Melodies fade from mind as the album finishes and rarely do they bob back into your subconscious.

I can’t, however call this a bad album. It’s beautifully textured and Tomi does yet another fan-fucking-tastic job on vocals. It just lacks “wow”. If it had been more catchy, like “Silent Waters”, I might have enjoyed it more. If it had been as inventive as “Elegy” it certainly would have drawn my attention deeper. As it is, it’s just another Amorphis album. If you have a massive man-crush on Tomi’s vocals or you are one of those people who just have to get every Amorphis album, you’ll probably go ahead and buy this anyway. But be warned, this album is like eating a snack when you should be eating a full meal. Don’t expect to be fully satisfied.

6,5

Information
Released: 2011
Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: www.amorphis.net
Band
Tomi Joutsen: vocals
Esa Holopainen: guitars
Tomi Koivusaari: guitars
Niclas Etelävuori: bass
Santeri Kallio: keyboards
Jan Rechberger: drums

Tracklist
01. Battle for Light
02. Mermaid
03. My Enemy
04. You I Need
05. Song of the Sage
06. Three Words
07. Reformation
08. Soothsayer
09. On a Stranded Shore
10. Escape
11. Crack in a Stone
12. Beginning of Time

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