AMORPHIS — Magic & Mayhem: Tales From The Early Years (review)

AMORPHIS — Magic & Mayhem: Tales From The Early Years album cover Boxset / Compilation · 2010 · Melodic Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
bonnek
Unlike the rest of the sane world I've never been the biggest fan of Amorphis' Death Metal beginnings. So I can't tell you how relevant this collection of re-recordings from their early days might be for other Amorphis fans. Everything is done very skillfully and they respected the heaviness and atmosphere of the originals but on the whole can't say I find most of the versions here adding much to the originals.

The selection of tracks is taken entirely from the first 3 albums and has no weak songs whatsoever. The sound is fuller and heavier - and probably more professional - but still it's one of the main reasons why I'm a bit lukewarm about this album. The sound is very heavy and bombastic, which is fine for a couple of songs but I find the effect from such big productions always wears off fairly quickly. I also lack some attack from the drumkit and the guitars are over-processed for my taste.

Another qualm is that all songs sound the same now, the original albums all had their own unique atmosphere. Tomi Joutsen is a great singer, probably Amorphis' best vocalist, but I don't find his voice suits all the material. The tracks from the first album are all brilliant, suiting his low growls perfectly. The band is steaming on these tracks and "Vulgar Necrolatry" is easily the highlight of the album. The songs from the second album have been upgraded with the psychedelic flair of later Amorphis work. Uncalled for IMO. Still "Magic and Mayhem" turned out just fine. My biggest gripe is with the songs from "Elegy". Joutsen fails to breathe life into these songs and well, didn't they sound just fine like they were originally?
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