Amorphis: Tales from the Thousand Lakes

In the early 90’s, many of the Swedish powerhouses were beginning to unleash their brand of melodic death metal. Meanwhile, in Finland, a little outfit known as Amorphis were busy merging elements of death, progressive and doom metal together to create their own sound. The end result was melodic death metal album, that although was very well done, would be just the beginning of what would soon come. I’m of course, speaking about the band’s debut “The Karelian Isthmus”, which at the time, was an excellent display of the blending of the aforementioned styles. Blend is the key word here, as after this release, they would expand their sound and blend it even further.

“Tales from the Thousand Lakes” is a bit of a polarizing album among the metal community. Many, myself included, see it as a landmark album. One that would put a stamp on the melodic death movement and set a precedent for all those who followed. Others, tend to think the blend of sounds and styles are overrated. To that I say; to each of their own. However, for me, this was a major game changer not just in the melodic death metal world, but for heavy metal as a whole.

First, Amorphis took the concept they created on “The Karelian Isthmus”; the mixture of doomy death that progressively churned along throughout the album and decided to add upon that sound. They would infuse even more elements such as folk and progressive rock to help solidify the unique sound that would be poured into the masterpiece.

To say this album is atmospheric would be an understatement. With their combination of so many styles, “Tales from the Thousand Lakes” is a musical adventure. One layered with so many sounds and filled with so much emotion, that one cannot help feel like they are being transported to the very scene depicted on the cover art. So many songs on this album conjure images and memories, that for me, has always been a special experience each time I listen.

This album is filled with so many catchy riffs, dazzling hooks and memorable harmonies, that they would warrant an entire review of their own. The opening of “Into Hiding” and “Drowned Maid” always leave me in awe. Within moments, I feel as though I’m both at peace and stricken with grief as Tomi Koivusaar and Esa Holopainen quickly grab your attention and seize your emotions. The same can be said for “The Castaway” as well. The opening riff is the stuff of legends, but then it builds switches to a more Scandinavian sound and leads into the main riff, that drips with emotion. The rhythms on display throughout the entire album are what truly give the songs the power to captivate the listener. The ability to shift sounds and moods with such ease is in my opinion, what makes this album so special.

The bass on “Tales of the Thousand Lakes” is not merely an ingredient to the overall sound, but it is one of the keys to atmosphere. Its presence breathes life into the doomy side of the band’s sound, allowing the guitars and drums to flow as cohesive sound rather than multiple instruments playing in unison. As for the drums, I won’t say they are Gene Hoglan worthy of explosiveness, but to be fair, they’re not meant to be. The drums, much like the base, help set the tone for the songs and allow them to progress forward at their own accord. Never once, do you feel as though the drums are included simply for the sake of have a wall of percussion. This is not the aim of the album. The slow, plodding sound of the drums conveys the doom and gloom of one of the many tales from “Tales from the Thousand Lakes”.

As if that wasn’t enough to take in, the band also incorporates the use synthesizers and pianos to help create yet another layer to their sound. The keys and electronic sounds add even more character to the overall atmosphere, without over complicating or taking away from any one particular ingredient. It really is a testament to the stellar songwriting and creativity of the band. That alone could be worthy of its own article, so I won’t try and describe it in just a few sentences. That wouldn’t do it justice.

Now, for my favorite aspect of the entire album; Tomi Koivusaar’s vocals. Let me say, that I have never heard a voice that could both scare me and yet lull me to sleep at the same time. Now, many vocalists can do the same (Christian Älvestam or Burton C Bell), but they do so my changing their voice. Koivusaari is able to do it in the same tone song after song. (That’s not to say, his vocals become monotonous. On the contrary.) His voice simply gives me goosebumps. It’s a shame that his vocal performances would soon only become an additional role and eventually phased out.

I think I’ve said enough about how I feel about “Tales from the Thousand Lakes”. To be honest, this part of the review would be chapter one of a short novel if I truly wished to express my thoughts and the impact this album had on me. This album is definitely one of my desert island picks, one that I come back to quite often, whether it’s to help me go to sleep or get my fists pumping. I maintain that, not only was this an important release for death metal and more specifically, melodic death metal, but the whole metal community as well. There are many wonderful releases by many bands that dwell in emotion atmospheres, but for me, “Tales from the Thousand Lakes” will always be apex of such sound.

Highlights: The whole album (But "The Castaway" "First Doom" "In the Beginning” are among my favorites)

Rating: 5