Review AMORPHIS “Borderland”

In the early ’90s, a Finnish band embarked on a journey through heavy metal, a trip that is still ongoing. We’re talking about Amorphis, and the fact that the band has been around for 35 years isn’t the only impressive thing about them. Their consistent line-up has allowed them to refine their musical vision and maintain continuity in the evolution of their sound. The latest example of this is the release of their 15th album.

“Borderline” showcases a band that doesn’t stand still. What started as a raw death metal outfit has transformed into a band that draws influences from many genres. There are moments when their death metal past is transferred to the present, and at the same time, there is a song called “Dancing Shadow.” It has more dancing involved than what is just mentioned in the title. “Dancing Shadow” is certainly one of the most melodic tunes in Amorphis’s history. With the working title “Disco Tiger,” the song is full of hooks and features an infectious groove. Some harsher vocals add heaviness to a song that allows for both dancing and headbanging.

Overall, the songs on “Borderland” are melodic, and clean vocals are much more prevalent than Joutsen’s deep growls. “The Strange” builds more on the latter, and also showcases the frontman’s singing skills. His clean voice is excellent, and the growling parts add an extra kick. Another heavy song on the album is called “Bones.” This lead single mirrors the dark side of Amorphis’s music. It’s an intense, pounding metal track with a dense sound, provided by producer Jacob Hansen, who was at the helm for “Borderland”.

It doesn’t take much time to connect with the songs on this album. The hooks and melodies make it easy for fans to enjoy these songs, which still have enough detail to provide lasting joy. These melodies stick in your mind, and you can’t get them out.

“Fog to Fog” entertains with a full-bodied sound, and the same goes for “The Lantern.” Each song fuses calmer moments with heavier parts. Combined with Finnish folk influences, the album sounds rich and partly operates in uncharted territory without throwing the roots overboard. Listening to tracks like the title track is like enjoying Finnish nature, with all its dark elements and bright sunrays.

“Borderland” is an album that fits perfectly into Amorphis’s development. The Finns pick up where they left off with “Halo” in terms of their basic signature sound, while adding a much more approachable and catchy element to their latest work. The contrast between “Bones” and “Dancing Shadow” best showcases their versatility, and it’s songs like the closer, “Despair,” that combine all elements. The Finnish sextet continues their exciting musical endeavor, and “Borderland” exemplifies their passion for music and progression.