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 Am
Universum
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If there was ever a band in metal that reveled in defying expectations
and restrictive labels while continuing to move in a forward direction, it
has been Amorphis. Ever since their groundbreaking effort Tales from the Thousand
Lakes, they have been on a seemingly endless track of experimentation and
evolution. Am Universum, their latest effort, shows the band leveling
off a bit into the melodic, spacey landscapes of Tuonela, while still
bringing in a few surprises and embellishments. The album blends hypnotic
guitar effects, rich organ and sax layers, pulsating rhythms and passionate
melodies in what is already a major contender for "album of the year" honors.
Producer Simon Efemey helped the band's individual members bring forth their
most complete performances ever. Vocalist Pasi Koskinen shows the most
overall improvement, giving what is easily his smoothest and most comfortable
recorded performance. The death growls, that barely showed themselves on Tuonela,
are almost non-existent here. They're mainly confined to exclamations more so
than actual lyrical delivery. New bassist Niclas Etelavouri falls in
perfectly with drummer Pekka Kasari. Their dark, throbbing grooves will make
almost anyone start swaying and tapping their feet instantly. Keyboardist
Santeri Kallio weaves ambience and texture into every fiber of the record,
with a balanced mixture of digital effects and Hammond organ. Guitarists Esa Holopainen
and Tomi Koivussari thicken the brew with deep distortion tones and
atmospheric effects, knowing when not to play as well as when to. Session
saxophonist Sakari Kukko could almost be added as a full time member, as his
jazzy lines take on more of a lead role here than on Tuonela. Am
Universum, without a doubt, contains the most mature, ambitious song
writing in Amorphis' history. Highlights include "The Night is Over", with it's nasty organ parts and driving tempo. The melodies on this one stay in your head for days! This song has
some of the album's most dynamic transitions as well. Lead off track "Alone"
begins with sparse piano chords over an ambient soundscape, peppered with
nicely effected guitars, before picking up into a mid-tempo verse. Pasi's
vocals here are graceful and seasoned. The dramatic chorus grabs hold of your
ears and won't let go! Kukko's sax on the bridge takes on a Middle Eastern,
snake charmer vibe woven into the tempo. "Crimson Wave", my personal
favorite, delivers one of the album's heaviest riffs on the opening before
pulling back into jazz-inspired, "smoky club" feel on the verses. Then when
the guitars come back on the bridge and chorus, the drama factor goes through
the roof! I almost picture the guys in black and white, grainy film footage
performing this song in suits and shades (video idea!), especially during
Kukko's emotional sax lead! "Drifting Memories" contains some of the most
dramatic melodies on the album. Pasi's vocals and Esa's underlying theme
leads work together on the chorus to stunning results. Once again, Kukko adds
his touch in little fills and ad-lib's. Closing track "Grieve Stricken Heart"
starts off with some digital keyboard effects, easing in a slow tempo drum
rhythm and haunting vocal melody. The clean strumming guitars here are
fantastic! Pasi really shines vocally on this one. Kallio's organ works with
the guitars in creating a melancholic air. The pounding feel of the chorus
segues into a tasteful keyboard solo, with a 70's "strumming yet distorted"
guitar groove underneath. Very cool! The closing sax solo here just screams
Pink Floyd (in a good way!) and takes the album out on a perfect note. All in
all, this album is an amazing collection of songs with stellar performances
and vivid sonic brilliance! Sadly, they lost a lot of their "metal" fans some
time ago. And while Am Universum isn't likely to win any of them back,
for lover's of good music it is a must have!
[Shawn Pelata]
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