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Amorphis - Skyforger

Label: Nuclear Blast
Format: CD
Released: 2009
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 8.5/10
Like a cruel X-mas rouse, I knew the gift of Skyforger existed two months ago, being pumped up by management and guitarist Esa Holopainen at the annual Helsinki Metal Meeting, yet was denied the chance to “open” this present until now, as a bureaucratic snafu denied me access to that weekend’s listening session. The two LONG months waited, thankfully, are well worth it! The wonderful Finnish chameleon has changed its color once more.
 

The third platter with Tomi Joutsen sees the vocalist almost exclusively in a clean style, the death growl reserved for accentuation or the full bore ‘Majestic Beast’ (five songs in). The title cut offsets the gruffness with a choir, both utilized sporadically. It’s amazing how infectious the lilting piano laden rhythms can be, sort of an amalgam of latter day/Zak Stevens-era Savatage (opening ‘Sampo’) and Green Carnation, circa A Blessing In Disguise. Such moments helped pave the way for the current rash of melodic, folk-tinged acts, something for which Amorphis (and their Kavala obsession) never receive enough credit. On the airy, progressive leaning ‘Highest Star’, hints of flute recall Jethro Tull, while ‘From Earth I Rose’ ends with a lone acoustic guitar. With the exception of the aforementioned ‘Beast’ most wouldn’t be out of place on standard/classic rock radio, a few even lite-rock FM! Good mood music.

 
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