The band’s name suggests that this group of idiosyncratic Finns has the capacity to transform. However, the addition of the first letter of the alphabet to a word is often used to denote the opposite (consider, for example, atypical). In this case, that prefix may very well indicate the reverse too, as Amorphis has been known for its remarkable consistency in both sound and quality over the years—or, more accurately, throughout the band’s entire thirty-five-year existence. That sound was perfected and further refined in the trilogy consisting of the powerful albums Under The Red Cloud, Queen Of Time, and most recently Halo. These releases demonstrate the band’s ability to seamlessly blend death metal roots with stunning melodies, Nordic folk elements, and playful progressiveness. The question that naturally arises is whether this musical direction will continue beyond the trilogy, or whether a new chapter will also mean new boundaries to explore – or even to transcend. This time, we’re discussing Borderland.
In the accompanying promotional material, Amorphis states that the album follows a more straightforward approach than its predecessor Halo, with a stronger emphasis on atmosphere and melody. The result is, unsurprisingly, more immediately infectious and accessible than the previous trilogy. This is reflected in more controlled compositions, which at times harken back to the albums Elegy and Skyforger. The lightly progressive elements also make occasional appearances—flavours that have coloured the band’s recent work. The production is once again rich and focused on creating maximum bombast and symphonic excess. As such, Borderland feels in part like a bridge between their more recent work and their output from around twenty years ago, while the strong symphonic direction gives it a distinctive identity of its own. One consequence, however, is that the album, though cohesive as a whole, slightly lacks the dynamic contrast between the heavier and softer ends of the metal spectrum. That said, it remains unmistakably Amorphis, with a sound as recognisable as a thousand Finnish lakes.
The band’s musical identity is instantly apparent in the playful opening keys and warm guitar tones of The Circle. It feels like slipping into a warm bath, elevated even further by Tomi Joutsen’s magnificent clean vocals. Toward the end, his glorious growled vocals briefly make a welcome return, followed by one more round of the soothing chorus. A strong opener, though it still feels like the album needs to find its momentum. Bones, the follow-up track, delivers exactly that—it’s the heaviest and most riff-driven song on Borderland. The Eastern influences offer a clear nod to Under The Red Cloud, and combined with the progressive undertones, this track creates an early high point in the album. While other parts of the album feature occasional heavy passages, no other song brings this element to the fore quite as effectively.
As mentioned, the strength of this album does not primarily lie in its heavier side. The renewed focus on melody and atmosphere results in several standout tracks that dwell on the softer side of the metal spectrum. First, take a brief detour to the dance floor with Dancing Shadow (the working title Disco Tiger speaks volumes), before Fog To Fog sets the stage with its addictive lead melody, where guitars and keyboards offer perfect support to one another. But it’s the first melancholic notes of The Strange that truly captivate. Paired with superb guitar work and Tomi Joutsen in peak form, this song is a gorgeous tearjerker. Perhaps it’s the wistful sense of summer slipping away and the days growing ever shorter, but this track feels perfectly timed. No sooner is this sentence written than the album moves into the achingly beautiful Tempest. This is Finnish melancholy at its absolute best! Warm keys, subtle folk influences, and a sweeping atmosphere make this arguably the album’s strongest track. Especially in the second half, where the guitars and keyboards are given a slightly more progressive edge, the track builds toward a powerful finale. “And when darkness prevails, all hope is lost. And emptiness conquers all.” – absolutely stunning.
In keeping with the renewed emphasis on melody, the final part of the album features several compositions rich in symphonic atmosphere. Light And Shadow was released as the lead single in anticipation of the album. While it contains all the classic ingredients of Amorphis, it is by no means the strongest track here. The Lantern at times – particularly in the intro—carries a Ghost-like vibe (think Mary On A Cross), yet its layered atmosphere, sitar flourishes, and vocal arrangements make a lasting impression. The keyboard solo near the end brings to mind Thy Catafalque, serving as a launchpad for a grand finale. The title track Borderland aspires to deliver another bombastic peak, but with relatively simple melodies and a general tendency to meander, it falls somewhat short. The final track, Despair, with its darker undertones, message of hopelessness, and epic orchestration, succeeds in giving the album a grand send-off. A truly heavy closer may be absent, but the mournful tones and orchestral bombast ensure a fitting conclusion to an album steeped in melody and cinematic composition.
Borderland may well live up to its name and stand as a true border case, with opinions likely to vary depending on whether you lean more towards layered melody or driving guitar intensity. While the latter is certainly catered to in Bones, fans of the heavier side of Amorphis may come away slightly underwhelmed. Those who favour the melodic and atmospheric dimensions, however, can look forward to an excellent album – though not uniformly strong from start to finish. Depending on your musical preferences, you may want to add or subtract a point or two from the final verdict. What is beyond dispute, though, is that Amorphis simply does not know how to make a bad album, and with Borderland they’ve delivered a fitting soundtrack for the approaching autumn weeks. I’d say: light the fireplace (or turn the heating up a notch) and let Amorphis take care of the rest.
Score:
80/100
Label:
Reigning Phoenix Music, 2025
Tracklisting:
- The Circle
- Bones
- Dancing Shadow
- Fog To Fog
- The Strange
- Tempest
- Light And Shadow
- The Lantern
- Borderland
- Despair
Line-up:
- Tomi Joutsen – Vocals
- Esa Holopainen – Guitar
- Tomi Koivusaari – Guitar
- Santeri Kallio – Keyboard
- Oli-Pekka Laine – Bass guitar
- Jan Rechberger – Drums
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