REVIEW: AMORPHIS - AM UNIVERSUM

 

AMORPHIS - AM UNIVERSUM (Relapse Recs. , 2001):

Technical Data:

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Finnvox Studios, Helsinki - October/December 2000.

Produced by Simon Efemey

Engineered by Mikko Karmila & Simon Efemey

Cover Art / Design: http://lahco.bombsquad.org

Track List: 1- Alone, 2-Goddess (of the sad man), 3- The night is over, 4- Shatters Within, 5- Crimsom Wave, 6- Drifting Memories, 7- Forever More, 8- Veil of Sin, 9- Captured State, 10- Grieve Stricken Heart.

This is Amorphis new album !!! Starting were "Tuonela" left, this album has not big changes compared to that one, in fact it is like a continuation of the path started then. Maybe "Am Universum" is a little bit more melancholic, but without losing the strength that was manifested through "Elegy" or "Tuonela". The album opens with two killer tracks: "Alone" and "Goddess" showing all the elements that we know that Amorphis can use. Pasi Koskinen has now taken complete control over the vocals and lyrics (and that has made this aspect somewhat more introspective). There are also elements that can take us back to "Elegy" for example the beginning of "The night is over" with one heavy guitar and wah wah on the other, making that psychodelic sound that characterized the heavier songs on that album. Talking about introspection, I think that here is one of the most ethereal and introspecive songs in Amorphis career and that is "Shatters Within". Amorphis continues on the path they created. Favorite tracks: "Goddess (of the sad man)", "Crimson Wave" and "Veil of Sin" (with saxophone included). Contact: www.relapse.com