ALBUM REVIEW: Queen Of Time (Live At Tavastia 2021) – Amorphis
It’s quite baffling as to why AMORPHIS aren’t bigger than they are. 30 years into their career and they are still massively underrated. Even with a consistent back catalogue and a legacy that has inspired some of today’s younger bands, they haven’t ever had that meteoric rise. Their last few albums have seen a rebirth of sorts with the guys finding a sound that perfectly mixes their older work with more modern metal moments.
One such album that garnered much praise from critics and fans was their 2018 release Queen Of Time. The successful wave they rode after this album’s birth hit an unfortunate and rather abrupt end due to the introduction of COVID-19 to the world. While other bands may have shut up shop for the foreseeable, AMORPHIS decided to crack on and deliver something for fans who were longing for the return of live music. They packed up their gear, took it to the Tavastia gig venue and ripped through Queen Of Time from start to finish. But how did it hold up compared to the studio version?
For anyone who has witnessed to glory of AMORPHIS live, you will already know they bring it. This show is no different. Opening with an extended intro to the dazzling The Bee, the band begin with their usual fire. You wouldn’t know that they weren’t playing to a single soul. There is a sense of energy and determination that the band want to convey to the listener. They want you to feel like you’re right there with them, as you should have been in 2021 if not for the virus. They effortlessly rocket through Daughter Of Hate and the usually sung at the top of your lungs Wrong Direction. The chorus soars and fills the empty venue with Tomi Koivusaari’s powerful pipes.
Every instrument seems to be mixed to perfection, with everyone cutting through with ease and clarity. Esa Holopainen shines as per usual. His guitar work hits extra hard through numbers like Heart Of The Giant and We Accursed. The live setting suits the band’s work with their folk-infused riffs ripping through the Tavastia. Even without feeding off the crowd, the band still give so much. You can hear the passion and drive that emanate through them as a unit.
There’s a cameo from the ever-radiant Anneke van Giersbergen on the mesmerizing Amongst Stars, which sounds even more epic than usual. The accompanying Blu-Ray shows her performing her parts from another location but adding in an effect to inject her seamlessly into the performance. The band both look and sound on top form. It was difficult for bands during times of lockdown, but AMORPHIS’ decision to keep up appearances and put on an incredible show for their fans to witness in the luxury of their own homes was inspired.
Queen Of Time (Live At Tavastia) is arguably even better than the studio version due to the added energy and passion that the band constantly delivers. The flame shows no signs of fading any time soon for the mighty AMORPHIS.
Rating: 9/10
Queen Of Time (Live At Tavastia 2021) is set for release on October 13th via Atomic Fire Records.
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