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.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Amorphis
Title
Eclipse
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2006
Style
Doom/Stoner
3/21/2006 - Review by: Eric Compton
This is a wonder, a real highlight for the band
It is a rare occasion that your favorite metal publicist can get so moved and touched by a simple recording of songs that he finds himself absolutely speechless, fearing that he may or may not be worthy enough to even offer comment on such a miraculous and triumphant event. It has been quite a year, this young 2006, with heavy metal and hard rock music hitting all-time highs and strides. As many of you have probably read, I was astounded and awed at how well Sweden's In Flames roared back this year with their new record "Come Clarity". For me, personally, the album will be in my top five forever and by early March, I really hadn't discovered one release by one band that really stirred me to listen to anything else. Really, in all honesty, my conversations with staff were on the subject of how do we continue to review releases and albums that are nowhere near as extraordinary as what In Flames created with their newest record. Then came a blackout with Amorphis' "Eclipse".

Let's first start by simply saying I am at a huge disadvantage by simply attempting to relay my thoughts and overall pleasure of this new Amorphis album. Just like the last In Flames record I feel as though I'm at a total loss for words. How can you describe a sunset to a blind man? How do you explain to a lifelong New York city resident the sights and smells of autumn in the Blue Ridge mountains of Southwest Virginia? Without the proper poetic expression it is nearly impossible. That is what I'm challenged with in explaining to you the material found on this new record, this amazing and beloved gem that shines with so much illumination and clarity. "Eclipse" is a window to the soul, a moving, emotional ride that gathers everyone who hears it into perfect harmony and love for the spirit of the song. Amorphis have reached deep into their creative reservoir, really taking their craft upon higher peaks of musical worship. This is truly a band that has no boundaries, no limits, and absolutely no restraints or binds of talent and craft. It is all on dazzling display, a whirlwind of musical perfection that few bands and musicians can even fathom. This is extraordinary, this is absolutely amazing. This is the spirit of song, captured in all of its stunning glory.

At one point Finland's Amorphis crept into my obscure watch zone, really showing me things musically that few bands could even attempt. With albums like "Tales From The Thousand Lakes" and "Elegy", Amorphis proved to the world that they were "that really interesting" band that put on sights and sounds that have never, ever been done before. Think of a moonlit night filled with the sounds of Hawkwind, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Pink Floyd. It is such an abstract thought, such a strange and completely odd combination of styles and elements. However Amorphis pull it off perfectly, in my opinion creating their own sound rich with identity and purpose. With the group's 1998 release, "Tuonela", I felt the musicians had finally went too far out there in search of diverse tactics and that all consuming need to be completely different. The band rebounded with a slightly more metallic approach with the 2001 release "Am Universum", and almost came back to the glorious roots of "Elegy" with their 2003 effort "Far From The Sun". Now lead singer Pasi Koskinen has left the group, replaced by Sinisthra singer Tomi Joutsen. Joutsen is the perfect asset for this band and proves it clearly and undeniably with his sensational performance on "Eclipse".

Finally Amorphis are on solid ground once again, really going beyond my expectations by entering that sacred chamber to hone their craft. With "Eclipse" the group find themselves deeply rooted in the mystic sounds of "Elegy" and "Tales From The Thousand Lakes". The band have created stirring, stunning visuals through music, injecting their cold climate and frosty Finland bite into these Northern tales of heartbreak and despair. While many songs create that somber mood perfect for the most dreary of sunless days, other tracks here are somewhat pleasant in their purpose and planning. Longtime fans will obviously miss the strong vocals of Koskinen, but Joutsen steps in and really leads this group back to those obscure, breath taking ventures. As I write and write and write I cannot possibly explain to you, the hopeful listener, just how amazing these songs are. This is a wonder, a real highlight for the band and the fan, and the best Amorphis album to date. "Eclipse" is beyond words for me. It is simply a need and a must for every type of music fan inhabiting planet E. Oxygen, Nourishment, Amorphis--the only three musts of this free world.
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :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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