Amorphis as a band have been going for over 30 years and this is the year that they bring us their new album Halo, a worthy finale to the trilogy of Under The Red Cloud (2015) and Queen Of Time (2018) and the fourteenth studio album of their career.
The 3 singles released from Halo were "The Moon", "On The Dark Waters" and most recently the opening track of the album "Northwards". All 3 have been worthy contenders to showcase Halo as the epic, progressive, melodic metal album we have all been looking forward to since the release of Queen Of Time. These singles certainly do the the album justice but you really do need to listen to Halo as a whole thing and once you start, repeat listens are sure to follow.
The Finnish 6 piece have delivered this 11 track monumental album combining stories through magical lands based on the Finnish and Karelian legend of Kalevala (translated as "Land Of Heroes"). It stems from a 19th century style of poetry deeply seated in the realms of folklore and mythology. Amorphis have often recruited artist and Kalevala expert Pekka Kainulainen to pen the lyrics for their songs which the band in turn translate to English and then adapt to their style of music creating the amazing depth and mythological meaning to the songs we are so familiar with.
"Northwards" opens Halo up in dramatic style with haunting chords, melodic keys and bells. The growling vocals giving way to reveal Tomi Joutsens cleaner style as is the way with Amorphis. Other stand tracks include "When The Gods Came", "War", title track "Halo" and "My Name Is Night" with guest vocals from Petronella Nettermalm (Paatos). The whole album encompasses the bands origins and explores their homeland through their music, incorporating their rich cultural and historical heritage as well as their musical traditions. To quote Earsplit PR's promo press release "This is not only an album for fans or metal connoisseurs. It's a must for every imaginative mind out there with a soft spot for cinematic soundscapes, triumphant melodies and breathtaking dynamics measuring the borderlands of light and dark".
For me Halo is a continuation of Amorphis' recent excellent form. I am a huge fan of the band and have loved Under The Red Cloud and Queen Of Time. I have also had a huge admiration for their earlier offerings such as Silent Waters(2007) and Skyforger (2009). Halo however does really feel like a continuation of Under The Red Cloud and Queen Of Time being just as relevant as the previous albums. Halo has taken me on the same great emotional journey their previous albums have and I completely welcome Halo with open arms. After a 31 year plus career I don't need to go on about their talent as musicians because if you've ever heard Amorphis you know just how accomplished they are. Their songs are fantastically well structured, created from the heart and lyrically penned from a world of fantasy and imagination which provides us the listener with the pure progressive/melodic escapism we all crave from Amorphis.
The beginning of Halo starts out as well paced melodic, traditional almost folk style metal but by track 5 "A New Land" there is a slight shift and it starts to show signs of a build up as the songs gather power. "When The Gods Came" and "Seven Roads Come Together" bring the emphasis back on metal whilst still holding that great balance of ferocious and soft vocals. My 2 personal favourite tracks "War" and the title track "Halo" are faster paced and epically awesome! Choosing to end as they began with more melodic fantasy based fare, they conclude wonderfully with "The Wolf" and "My Name Is Night". The guest vocals of Petronella Nettermalm are hauntingly beautiful alongside Joutsens. As always the recording quality is exceptional, every instrument shines through from cowbell to keyboard, bass to backing vocals and beyond. I strongly recommend Halo to Amorphis old timers and newbies alike!!
Halo is available on CD through all regular online shopping outlets but if you want something a bit special then check out the awesome CD and silver vinyl boxset available exclusively at EMP.
