Amorphis – Borderland

Amorphis

It took Amorphis 35 years and 15 albums to finally cross this “Borderland”. Remarkably, all of the founding members are still on board for this tireless journey.  Guitarists Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, singer Tomi Joutsen, keyboardist Santeri Kallio, bassist Olli-Pekka Laine and drummer Jan Rechberger are Amorphis. They are now at the beginning of a new chapter. Welcome to the captivating realm of “Borderland”.

Produced by Jacob Hansen, who is well known for his work with Volbeat, Arch Enemy and Amaranthe, “Borderland” showcases Amorphis‘ melodic sensibilities while venturing into fresh, uncharted sonic territory. So, without further ado, here is our review – get ready for some impressive new music from Finland!

Borderland

The Circle

The opener is dominated by keyboards and clean vocals. Guitars add a soft metal influence. This is definitely a song for radio stations all over the world, even those that usually don’t play metal. Just when you think you’ve finished with the song, a growled intermezzo interrupts the AOR mood to the song’s benefit.

Bones

It becomes much harsher and more traditional for Amorphis. It’s rough and tough, and the vocals are growled… well, some of them are. This time, the intermezzo vocals are clean, bittersweet. I bet the live version will blow the audience away!

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 Dancing Shadow

Now let’s return to the melodic, clean side of Amorphis. This song could well become a chart-breaker, with its perfect mix of metal guitars, clean vocals, and a radio-worthy melody. I like the idea of combining keys and guitars for the solo part, and the beat of the song invites you to dance out of the shadows and into the sunlight.

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Fog to Fog

We slow down as a piano tune opens the song. Guitar, drums and bass then join in, leading us from fog to fog through a world of invisible dangers. It takes us by the hand, helping us to conquer new worlds and create new experiences. I like how the song builds up; it has a very dramatic tension. Well done, Amorphis — very well done! And while I’m writing this, I’m listening to the song live — so far, it’s my favourite!

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The Strange

Next is a more guitar-orientated song with clean vocals and growled additions, and a nice melody that makes it very easy-going for radio listeners. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a good song, but being placed after “Fog to Fog” really is a burden.

Tempest

We now enjoy Amorphis‘ storytelling side again. Can it be classified as a power ballad? Or is it something different? The growled vocals in the middle of the song provide a clear answer. It’s more than just a power ballad — it’s an epic melody that leads us to wuthering heights.

Light and Shadow

Once again, we hear some piano notes and a very short keyboard intro before the guitars join in. The guitars and keys dominate through their interaction, as well as through the mix of clean and harsh vocals. Overall, there is more light than shadow, despite what the title might suggest.

The Lantern

If you thought we were done with an overflow of keys and melody, this song proves you wrong. It is full of clever arrangements. I like the abundance of vocal layers, which sound almost like a choir or, better still, the roar of the crowd.

Borderland

Many bands make the album’s title track the first song after the short intro. Firstly, we didn’t have an intro. Secondly, it is the ninth song on “Borderland”. Thirdly, it is the album’s anthem and, as part of the journey, it belongs in this position for good reason. Listen to the album from start to finish and pay attention to the conceptual tension that builds up from song to song until it reaches a climax. But no, it doesn’t snap now, because there’s one more song to come.

Despair

The closer of the album fulfils what I saw coming. The tension is too strong, the bend too sharp. The bow and string explode. But they don’t break into an unfixable thousand pieces and splinters. Instead, they turn around and come together again, forming an unending circle, like ebony and ivory on a piano.

What is left to say?

This album is unusual for Amorphis but still clearly Amorphis. Some people might miss the rougher side of the band. Others will appreciate this different side to the band. The producer’s softer influence is undeniable. Consider it an experiment in crossing borders. Welcome to the “Borderland”, Amorphis. Welcome to a new shore everybody outside in the world!

Check out the tourdates in support of Arch Enemy

Short Facts

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Online:  

Amorphis

Please buy merch and physical music or downloads from the bands official sources and don’t stream it for free because it steals your artists’ income.

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Review by Friend.X aka Mr. Deep

Live pics taken at Schlachthof Wiesbaden December 2022 and Rockharz Festival July 2024