Amorphis - Queen of Time (2018)

Unleashing the most impressive release (so far) of 2018, today we have the legendary Amorphis and their latest full-length album “Queen of Time”. Featuring the quintessential Amorphis energy and creativity, the band takes things even one step further with more grandiose arrangements and catchier melodies. Nearly clocking in at one hour, the band defies age and continues to release high quality and high replay value releases.

Opening with the first single, “The Bee”, the music instantly features the band’s signature style with over the top arrangements and the impressive growls of Tomi Joutsen. Setting a very lively mood on the opening song, allows for a swift transition into the upbeat and engaging “Message in the Amber”. Featuring Jørgen Munkeby on sax and dramatic choir arrangements in “Daughter of Hate”, this track shifts the mood into more somber and yet dynamic territories, making it one of our favorite songs from the band.

The funky atmospherics of “The Golden Elk” and the melancholic guitars of “Wrong Direction” perfectly continue the vibrant mood of the release. We particularly enjoy the dreamy vocal arrangements and middle eastern-ish influences of “Heart of the Giant”. For those looking into more folky Amorphis, “We Accursed” gives us that edge the band had in their “Tuonela” and “Elegy” days but with Tomi Joutsen explosiveness. Another of our favorite tracks is the mystical “Grain of Sand”, featuring some killer keyboards from Santeri Kallio.

Hands down, our favorite track is the magical “Amongst the Stars”, a very upbeat song which features and excellent duet with Anneke van Giersbergen. Closing with the moody “Pyres on the Coast”, we are instantly left wanting to start the album all over again. As a whole, “Queen of Time” is an impressive piece of work that further elevates Amorphis and their legendary status. Each track is masterfully crafted and polished to perfection, filled with lush arrangements and majestic details. If you are a fan of the band, you will be far from disappointed with this release, if you are still not a fan, this is the album to get on with the program and don’t forget to catch them live later this year in North America.

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Release: May 18th, 2018

Genre: Melodic Metal

Country: Finland