Artist: Amorphis Album: Am Universum

Year: 2001
Duration: 0:0-1

Am Universum: An In-Depth Review of Amorphis' Album

Finland has always been an exciting hub for metal music, and Amorphis is one of the bands that stands out in the scene. They have been around for over three decades, and their sound has evolved through the years. One of their most symbolic albums is Am Universum, released in 2001. This album marked the transition of Amorphis from death metal to a more progressive and experimental approach. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Am Universum, review its best songs, highlight its most innovative parts, and give an overall critical analysis of the album.
To understand Am Universum's significance, we need to look at Amorphis' evolution. The band started as a death metal group in the early 90s, but they gradually incorporated elements from traditional Finnish music and progressive rock, shifting their focus to a more melodic and atmospheric sound. Am Universum represents this transformation, and it's evident in the album's stylistic approaches.
The first song of Am Universum, Alone, sets the tone for the whole album. It starts with an acoustic guitar riff and a melodic bass line that gradually evolves into heavy guitars and a dynamic rhythm section. One of the album's standout moments is Goddess (of the Sad Man), a song that blends Finnish folklore with progressive metal, and features a touching chorus that gives the listener goosebumps.
Another highlight of Am Universum is Vulgar Necrolatry, a re-recorded version of a song from the band's early days. This song captures the essence of Amorphis' death metal roots, with heavy guitars and growling vocals, but it's still imbued with the atmospheric touch that characterizes the album.
Amorphis' experimentation with sounds and styles is evident in the album's production. The band worked with Simon Efemey, a sound engineer who had previously worked with bands like Paradise Lost and Napalm Death. Efemey's influence is palpable, as Am Universum features a warm and organic sound, with each instrument blending perfectly and creating a rich and immersive environment for the listener.
The most innovative parts of Am Universum are the interludes between each song. These interludes feature traditional Finnish instruments like the kantele, the jouhikko, and the accordion, and they serve as a connection between the songs, creating a cohesive narrative that transports the listener to different moods and landscapes.
Am Universum is a gem in Amorphis' discography, and one of the most significant albums in Finnish metal history. Its accessibility and experimentation allowed Amorphis to reach new audiences, and it paved the way for the band to continue evolving stylistically. The album blends traditional Finnish music with heavy metal, creating a fascinating and unique soundscape. From the acoustic intro of Alone to the enchanting outro of Summer's End, Am Universum is a sonic journey that showcases the prowess and creativity of Amorphis. This album ranks among the best of Finnish metal and is worth listening to for both fans of progressive and extreme metal.