A lot have changed since Amoprhis’ early days… back in the 90s. Especially after the addition of the gifted vocalist Tomi Joutsen, who first appeared on the “Eclipse” release, back in 2006. The previous album “Queen of Time” was well-received by the critics and the band’s fans, and it was crucial to see what the reactions would be for the new one, which comes almost 4 years later.
Amoprhis has crafted their own sound over the years and they know how to blend prog rock, death metal, atmospheric, folk, symphonic and melodic elements together brilliantly. Some may say that they play it safe or whatever comes on their minds… but is it accurate for a band that has such a personal and distinctive sound? Well, I do not think so; even if they decided to change their sound, then there would be fans to complain for doing so… you see you can’t please everyone and all in music it’s a never-ending circle. Listen to an album, cuz you fancy the sound, the instrumentations, the lyrics and the melodies, not be judgmental just for the shake of it. Then again almost 99% of the metalcore, modern metal, deathcore, (call it what you like) bands do sound the same and I see none complain about it… why’s that?!
Moreover the final production is superb… clear and powerful. I guess you can’t go wrong with a winning team which contains Jens Bogren (Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquility, Opeth, etc.), behind the production desk, Tony Lindgren (Enslaved, Elvenking, Eluveitie, Kreator etc.) on mastering, Linus Corneliusson (Dark Tranquillity, Fates Warning, James LaBrie, Sepultura, etc.) and Ricardo Borges (Sepultura, At The Gates, Carcass) on mixing and editing. Additionally the album features guest appearances from Francesco Ferrini (Fleshgod Apocalypse) on orchestrations & keyboards, Noa Gruman (Scardust) on additional vocals, Jesse Bartholomew Zuretti (Binary Code) on orchestrations & keyboards, Erik Mjörnell (Mirador) on guitars (“My Name is Night”), Oskari Auramo (Finntroll) on percussion and Petronella Nettermalm (Paatos) on vocals (“My Name is Night”).
The released videos on YouTube are enough to make you get this album. Then again the more you dig into it the more you will listen to several wonderful details that’s hard to get on the first listens. This album has a lot more to offer to those who appreciate music in general. “Halo” is definitely among the best releases of 2022! Way to go guys!
