Artist: Amorphis Album: Tuonela

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album Tuonela by Amorphis

Amorphis is a Finnish metal band that has been rolling out top-notch music since the early 90s. Arguably, their 1999 album Tuonela is their best and most diverse work to date. The unique blend of doom metal, death metal, and folk music helped them create a cult following in the European music scene. In this post, we'll take a dive into the genre, their history, and a detailed analysis of the music, including the best songs and most innovative parts of the album.
Amorphis was formed in 1990 in Helsinki, Finland, and is still active today. Their early music leaned more on the death metal side. Later they incorporated progressive and folk elements to create a more diverse sound that's reflective of Finnish folk music. Their 1999 album, Tuonela, was a pivotal moment for the band as they began to explore their music more experimenting with different genres.
The album begins with The Way –a unique blend of heavy and ambient sound, both introverted and bold. A true representation of the overall character of the album. The song has a striking balance between the driving guitar riffs, the melodic prose of the keyboards, and the depth of the lyrics. It made a loyal fan out of me the first time I listened to it.
The highlight of the album is Greensleeves. The song, which seems like an interlude, is well placed and fits in perfectly with the rest of the album. It's a delightful sparse arrangement and a welcome departure from the more complex and layered songs. It's highly emotive, and the interplay between the vocals, instruments, and the song's melody is hypnotic. It's a classic, and I still enjoy it today after thousands of listens.
There's no denying it – Tuonela is an intense album. The layering and complexity of the songs are what distinguishes Amorphis from other bands. Even as metal albums go, it's unique. There are moments when you'll find yourself looking for something else to listen to, to take a break from the intensity of the music. But, ultimately, the album's diversity is what makes it so compelling. The innovative parts of the album lie in these layers of textures and sounds, creating an almost mythical landscape.
However, there are a few criticisms. The record has quite a dark, heavy, and trance-like energy that might not appeal to everyone. Some songs such as Morning Star and The way drag on a bit too long, particularly the latter. It's a shame we don't get to hear more of the title track, Tuonela, which is relatively short, and yet, has the potential to be something much more if it had only been explored more deeply.
In conclusion, Amorphis' Tuonela is a classic album that's worth listening to if you're into metal, rock or folk music. The band's mastery of different genres creates a dynamic and complex sound that's both striking and hypnotic. The best songs are The Way and Greensleeves, which are testaments to their mastery of their craft. However, the album may not be everyone's cup of tea, particularly if you're not into metal or intensive music. Nonetheless, it's a classic that has stood the test of time and set the bar for the band's future work.
In conclusion, Amorphis' Tuonela is a classic album that's worth listening to if you're into metal, rock or folk music. The band's mastery of different genres creates a dynamic and complex sound that's both striking and hypnotic. The best songs are The Way and Greensleeves, which are testaments to their mastery of their craft. However, the album may not be everyone's cup of tea, particularly if you're not into metal or intensive music. Nonetheless, it's a classic that has stood the test of time and set the bar for the band's future work.