In the 90's, when Finnish Metal bands begin to storm the world, many legendary names arose. Some of them keep the same musical approach from the beginning, others evolved a lot, but they are still creating wonderful works. AMORPHIS is one of these legends, pioneers of their own musical genre...and what a great experience is to hear "Queen of Time", their latest release. But what will the album brings to the fans?

Well, we can say that the sextet expanded the limits once more. They are still using their mix of a melodic and intense form of between Metal with 70's Progressive Rock along with some guttural grunts (obviously the clean voices are presented as well), and on this time, they use for the first time an orchestra, giving their music a deeper and elegant outfit. Yes, AMORPHIS keeps their same musical way, but with new experiences, and they are lovely, indeed.

On an album like "Queen of Time", it demands a great work on the production. To do that, the perfectionist Jens Bogren was called. Clear, heavy and keeping each musical arrangement in its due place, the sound quality of the album is perfect. All is truly clear, heavy and deeper than before. What great cover artwork as well! Having as guests Chrigel Glanzmann (of ELUVEITIE) on pipes, laryngeal singer Albert Kuvezin, Jørgen Munkeby (a saxophonist), the orchestra mentioned above, a choir, and Anneke van Giersbergen making some vocals on "Amongst Stars", all works perfectly on "Queen of Time".

As a great album, it's hard to point to one or other song as the finest moments. I'll mention some for keeping my head above my neck (or my editor-in-chief would sever it): the wonderful contrast between aggressiveness and melodies shown on "The Bee" (what a great work on vocals, with these contrasts between harsh and clean tunes), the Folk scent presented on the grandiosity of "Message in the Amber" (fine keyboards' parts, and some Jazz moments from bass guitar and drums), the charming and deep melodies shown on the guitars of "The Golden Elk", the Space Rock touches heard on "Wrong Direction", that particular AMORPHIS' melodic structures presented on "We Accursed", the wonderful harmonies created on "Amongst Stars" (the contrast between male and female voices is truly amazing), and the mix between a crude aggressiveness and tender parts heard on "Pyres on the Coast". But I insist: listen to "Queen of Time" entirely. You won't regret it!

"Queen of Time" is another great album from AMORPHIS, and it will be on many top 10 lists at the end of the year!