Amorphis – Halo

9,5/10

Stationary is a term given to many bands nowadays, with covid and other grief around us, but someone who might be able to categorize another term is Amorphis, as there are few other bands that have delivered well-built albums for almost three decades.

“Halo” seems to be a loose theme album filled with adventurous stories about the mythical north tens of thousands of years ago. The texts tells of an ancient time when man migrated to these abandoned boreal borders after the ice age. At the same time, Amorphis describes the revival of an innovative culture in a world of new possibilities.

Amorphis takes us on an epic journey through the Nordic countryside. As with its rich cultural heritage and historical heritage, where both oral traditions exist and where newer and more modern musical traditions are added. “Halo” begins with “Northwards” where the introduction is a bit cautious, and then blossoms into something particularly wonderful.

Timo Joutsen’s characteristic singing voice is even more fantastic, than before. I may be wrong when I ask, has Timo had singing lessons? His singing voice seems to have taken further steps towards perfection. Timo supports his song with growl which clearly has its place in the lyrics. Amorphis has broadened and mixed traditional instruments into this story, something that is noticeable in songs like “On The Dark Waters” and “New Land”. In the previous song that has a pleasant solo near the middle of the song. The last song on “Halo” is “My Name Is Night”, which is a very dignified end to this story that Amorphis has achieved. “My Name Is Night” is a beautiful, very beautiful song that surprises the emotional depth of “Halo”.

The production value of this album is unsurpassed and since Amorphis once again has been able to work with the demands of, the producer, Jens Bogren has made. There for, I guess, that it is no wonder that Amorphis has done in the album “Halo” is something that turns out to be something absolutely fantastic. Amorphis has once again created a record that is as close to perfection as it can get. I pay tribute to these Finnish gentlemen in Amorphis. They have taken further steps in their musical craft. “The Karelian Isthmus” (1993) which is the debut album is also an album that over the years has also been an important album for Amorphi’s extraordinary musical journey.

It is extremely difficult to choose a favorite song. Especially with an album like this, where the songs complement each other so very well. But if I’m going to be particularly picky, I have to say the last track on “Halo”, “My Name Is Night”.

I have only good to say about the work that Amorphis has done with this record. But the “Halo” record is already colored by the feelings I have for Amorphis. I can only urge you to listen to “Halo”. With all these superlatives can not give another rating for “Halo” than 9,5/10. Should I have given the album a solid 10?

I’m, sure that they not are ready yet. I truly believe that Amorphis has yet another level to their musical journey.

Track listing:

1. Northwards
2. On The Dark Waters
3. The Moon
4. Windmane
5. A New Land
6. When The Gods Came
7. Seven Roads Come Together
8. War
9. Halo
10. The Wolf
11. My Name Is Night

Line-Up:

• Tomi Joutsen – vocals
• Esa Holopainen – guitars
• Tomi Koivusaari – guitars
• Santeri Kallio – keyboards
• Olli-Pekka Laine – bass
• Jan Rechberger – drums

Band: Amorphis
Title: Halo
Label: Atomic Fire Records
Date of release: 2022-02-11
Rate: 9,5/10
Stand Out Track: My Name Is Night
Country of Origin: Finland
Playing Time: 52:23