Amorphis - Elegy (1996)

Call me crazy if you will, but between the years of 1994 through 1996 Amorphis did what no other band did before them (or since them). The accomplishment in question is the release of two groundbreaking genre defying records during those years. First with their sophomore release, 'Tales from the Thousand Lakes,' which may very well have been the catalyst for folk metal in Finland (or just in general) while its untouchable follow-up from '96, 'Elegy' brought back everything from Tales and only made it better.

Taking the doomy folky death metal characteristics of Tales and adding a substantial amount of progressive rock traits as well as further refining the folk and melodic elements, Elegy proved from the start to be a masterpiece. Perhaps its greatest quality is its ability to mix different moods without causing the listener confusion or a need to skip tracks. Some songs are exciting and full of energy (Against Widows, On Rich and Poor, Song of the Troubled One, Relief) while others are experimental and grab hold of all kinds of strange influences (Better Unborn, Cares) and yet others are somewhat somber yet epic in character (The Orphan, Elegy) and some are just plain perfect, beyond description and awesome in delivery (My Kantele, Weeper on the Shore).

Elegy was the first album to feature clean vocalist, Pasi Koskinen whom split vocal duties up with original growler, Tomi Koivusaari so he could concentrate on playing guitar and obviously it was a smart move because Pasi's clean singing fits perfectly alongside the growled parts and just this sort of music in general. Some would argue that the man sounded weak in his delivery, but I personally never felt as such, and hearing the recent re-recordings from this album these songs show that they were meant for someone like Pasi and not for someone like current vocalist, Tomi Joutsen whom has quite the range in comparison.

Vocals as they are a large portion of the album is instrumental and its here where the listener is treated to some of the most godly monumental and memorable riffs and melodies ever conceived in music. Tomi Koivusaari and Esa Holopainen are absolutely geniuses and masters of their craft while then new keyboardist, Kim Rantala displayed keyboard wizardry not seen in years, but unfortunately he only stuck around for two recordings before disappearing. I've been listening to this album for over a decade now and not once has it bored me nor have I ever felt any desire to skip any single song since fault is not to be found.

As I listen to this album I'm troubled in finding words to describe it as it transcends simple categorization and just shows what venturous and creative minds can do when they come together. This album changed my views on music, on what it is and what you can do with it. Likewise it opened the door to many other interesting bands, but most notable one my absolutely favorite bands for the past several years, the mighty Kingston Wall.

Elegy is not just a milestone of heavy metal but of music in general and I'm quite sure even folks outside of this genre could find something appealing within it. If you haven't heard it, then its about time you get it and if you do own then its time to pull it out and give it another spin, already!