Relapse
2001
Am Universum
About This Album
If we focus primarily on the non-bastardized jazz elements, like keyboards, rhythm section, or especially the guitar, then the album is Amorphis' crown jewel for creative composition. The album kicks off with the gentle keys and happy harmonics we've come to expect from the band with "Alone." The song meanders through thick interchanges of sound and tasty vocal lines before hitting a wall of warm, overdone pop sax. Fear not, as "Goddess" blasts the listener with Pasi's endearing vocal harmonies and their most memorable wall of keyboard sound in recent memory, while "The Night Is Over" recalls memories of the twin guitar/keyboard leads of "Against Widows" from Elegy. Speaking of that album, "Forever More" is the most folk jam fun these guys have had since "Weeper on the Shore," with its acoustic, upbeat feel and rhythmic propulsion. The nucleus of this album lies in the heart with "Crimson Wave" and "Drifting Memories," as both show the greatest strengths and weaknesses of the "brand new" Amorphis. The first moves with a wistful, driving, relaxed motion recalling the heydays of the '70s before exploding into a loud catchy chorus, bringing the band to near-perfection before it spirals down the drain with the Kenny G ending solo.
Track List (try tracks 3,5 and 7)

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