Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

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Band
Amorphis
Title
The Beginning Of Times
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2011
Style
Progressive
6/3/2011 - Review by: Eric Compton
One of the better releases from the group
Finland's faithful return for album number ten (seems like there would have been more). I have been somewhat disappointed with the band since the masterful '06 title "Eclipse". Not like "Silent Waters" and "Skyforger" were terrible but just too convoluted and self indulgent. Sales are up, landing "Skyforger" gold recently in Finland, a sure sign that Amorphis will continue the marriage with Nuclear Blast.

"The Beginning Of Times" was recorded by the band and vocals were recorded by Marco Hietala (Nightwish) in studio Kuopio. Mikko Karmila once again mixed the record and the end result is a return to triumphant form. This offering showcases Amorphis in a more polished state. I felt the last two offerings were a bit muddy and plodding while this new venture is much more calculated and has a mindset on pure melody and audio visuals. As always the lyrics are deeply rooted in Finnish mythology and centrally themed around Väinämöinen, a native hero.

The band has obviously gone back to some of their early melo-death roots, this one covered from head to toe in death growls that recall "The Karelian Isthmus" and "Tales From The Thousand Lakes". That enormous sweeping melody is ever present and backed by constant keyboards. I really think the band must have liked their recent venture into the early back catalog on the recent re-recording of old classics. That early vibe stays with the act through this entire recording and provides a much needed energy and...dare I say...aggression. From soul stirring tales set to keys to that frosty winter night writing this goes beyond the normal bass-guitar-drums that so many bands become complacent with. This is something expertise, planning and a well balanced band can pull off and "The Beginning Of Times" is another exhibit for Amorphis on the perfection of song. This is one of the better releases from the group and mirrors the fascination I had with "Eclipse" and "Elegies". Hats off to these Fins for constantly evolving and never losing track of what makes them who they are.
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    4 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: AMORPHIS
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Circle
2013
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton3/25/2013
4.5
Eclipse
2006
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton3/21/2006
-
Far From The Sun
2004
Nuclear Blast
Ken Pierce7/25/2005
4
Magic & Mayhem - Tales From the Early Years
2010
Nuclear Blast
Ravana12/14/2010
4
Queen of Time
2018
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton6/4/2018
3
Silent Waters
2007
Nuclear Blast
Etiam1/11/2008
3
Skyforger
2009
Nuclear Blast
Raising Iron7/17/2009
5
The Beginning Of Times
2011
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton6/3/2011
4
Under the Red Cloud
2015
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton4/15/2016
5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: AMORPHIS
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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