There have been a wealth of Amorphis releases in recent years with Skyforger seeing the light of day in 2009 and both a live CD/DVD and an album of re-recordings hitting the shelves in 2010.  This year, Amorphis returns with its latest full-length, The Beginning of Times, an album which sees the band once again returning to Finnish mythology for the lyrical concept of the album.

Amorphis may be looking to its past for the concept for The Beginning of Times, but the band is looking forward with its sound via experimentation.  The album has a generally simpler and softer feel than usual and features female vocals on nearly every song.  Sometimes the female singing plays a  prominent role ("You I Need" and "Soothsayer"), and sometimes it is relegated to background harmonies (almost everything else).  Choir-like vocals rear their heads several times, such as in "Reformation."  There is also an abundant use of flute during most of "Song of the Sage."  These concepts may not be entirely new for Amorphis, but they are much more noticeable on The Beginning of Times. 

The problem with The Beginning of Times isn't that the band has chosen to experiment - a few new additions to their sound would be welcome - it's that the songs just aren't that strong.  I would use words like "epic," "powerful," and "unforgettable" to describe most of Amorphis' back catalog.  It's rare that those words would apply here.  Much of the music feels too bland and average.  It just doesn't get the blood pumping.  The band may have chosen to experiment with some new ideas, but they also over-simplified the songs and in effect, sucked out a lot of the album's potential energy.  In fact, most of these tracks seem pretty "radio-friendly," though I'm certain U.S. radio would never play Amorphis anyhow. 

The Beginning of Times is not without it's strengths however.  "Battle for Light" and "My Enemy" are pretty strong songs even if they are a bit repetitive.  "You I Need" is actually quite catchy once you get past the initial reaction to its "softness."  "Mermaid" features a cool signature delay-soaked Amorphis riff while "Soothsayer" catches attention with some middle-eastern flavored riffing.  There's actually something to like about every one of the album's tracks. Unfortunately the moments that are on-par with Amorphis' last few full-lengths don't dominate The Beginning of Times.

I've been pleasantly surprised with Amorphis' output since Tomi Joutsen joined the band in 2006.  He has proven to be a more than suitable replacement for Pasi Koskinen, and the band has kept releasing solid albums...until now.  The Beginning of Times is not Amorphis' worst album by any means.  That (dis)honor still belongs to Far From the Sun.  The Beginning of Times has it's moments, but overall it's below Amorphis' previous standards.  The Beginning of Times is like a watered-down drink.  You can taste a hint of what it should be, but it's really too weak to enjoy fully.  Buy this if you happen to find it for a low price.  Despite it's bright spots, I know I won't be returning to The Beginning of Times too often when there are plenty of stronger Amorphis albums already on my shelf.   

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Battle For Light
2.  Mermaid
3.  My Enemy
4.  You I Need
5.  Song of the Sage
6.  Three Words
7.  Reformation
8.  Soothsayer
9.  On a Stranded Shore
10.  Escape
11.  Crack in a Stone
12.  Beginning of Time

Total Playing Time:  54:44

Release Date: June 7, 2011
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Amorphis - The Beginning of Time

Reviewer: Roswell47

June 1, 2011