Amorphis - Circle (2013)

After twenty three years of making music together I'd imagine everyone knows that the word Amorphis is derived from the Greek 'amorphous' which means without determinate form and has been a lasting way to describe the bands sound since they've never really made the same record twice and surely are always progressing to the next logical level. Here on 'Circle,' their eleventh studio album and already fifth album with Tomi Joutsen as lead vocalist, Amorphis decided to take a break from producer Marco Hietala and allowed Swedish death metal legend Peter Tagtgren to push and turn all those knobs behind the soundboard this time around.

'Circle' has also taken a different lyrical direction, where their early and most recent output has all been based around the Finnish epic, the Kalevala, external lyricist Pekka Kainulainen came up with something of his own, which oddly enough sounds influenced by the Kalevla.

'Circle' was initially billed as Amorphis' most melodic creation since 'Elegy,' which is a hell of a statement considering the overly melodic and influential nature of that album, and while it may not be the same sound it surely is a lot more colorfully melodic than previous album, 'The Beginning of Times,' which was heavily keyboard driven and really snubbed those usually amazing and catchy Amorphis riffs and solos.

'Shades of Gray' kicks off the album powerfully with hard growled vocals and punishing death metal tones, while it quickly shifts to Amorphis' more recent melodic direction with Tomi's amazing lead vocals. By the songs mid-point the it shifts into a more progressive direction and then followed by a wonderful Esa guitar solo that simply can't be beat. 'Mission' is easily my favorite song on the album, with an epic undertone and constantly building and powerful atmosphere its just simply perfect. Figure in some of the bands coolest riffs in recent memory as well a monumental solo and Tomi's finest clean vocal performance and you've got a star here, whereas, 'The Wanderer' is similar, but lacks the majestic nature and drive of 'Mission,' but seems to be the crowd pleaser thus far ( I don't get it). 'Narrow Path' features a heavily folk driven sound that's especially Irish in character and is easily the albums catchiest, phenomenal really, while 'Hopeless Days' hankers back to the opener with some very miniscule symphonic black metal traits interwoven.

'Nightbird's Song' welcomes the growled vocals back into the mix with something of a melodic doomy structure with a few folk parts that sounds rather unique, but totally Amorphis in character, whereas 'Into the Abyss' is just pure melodic progressive metal and absolutely breathtaking in its delivery too (I wonder if Peter helped name this one?). 'Enchanted by the Moon' is the albums slowest and again has a very doomy vibe to it mixed with Amorphis' own brand of melodious grandioseness, while the albums closer, 'A New Day' is more progressive melodic metal and is just immense in its delivery. The saxophone was a fantastic touch as well!

Ten songs strong and 'Circle' feels like a considerably more focused and ultimately enjoyable record than 'The Beginning of Times.' Its always interesting to see where Amorphis will go next and with the bands members still only in their early 40's I see no reason for them to slow down anytime soon. Here's to another ten years and hopefully many more great records like, 'Circle.'