Band Origin: Helsinki, Finland
Genre: Progressive Metal / Death / Doom
Release Date: 2022
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
The Grand Finale of a Golden Trilogy
INTRO
After over thirty years in the game, most bands are content to coast on their greatest hits. Not Amorphis. The Finnish legends have spent the last decade on an incredible winning streak, and their fourteenth studio album, Halo, acts as the magnificent closing chapter to a trilogy that began with Under the Red Cloud and Queen of Time. If you’re looking for a record that balances crushing heavy metal with the soaring beauty of a Nordic sunset, you’ve found it.
TRACK ANALYSIS
While Queen of Time was famous for its massive orchestras and choirs, Halo feels more stripped-back and focused, letting the band’s core chemistry shine.
The album opens with “Northwards,” a track that perfectly summarizes the Amorphis sound: crunchy riffs, shimmering keyboards, and Tomi Joutsen’s legendary vocal range. As the album progresses, you notice a heavier emphasis on Santeri Kallio’s keyboards, which give tracks like “On The Dark Waters” a 70s progressive rock vibe without losing the metallic edge.
The mid-section of the album explores “The Story of the Kalevala” with a modern twist. “The Wolf” is arguably the most aggressive moment on the record, featuring blistering drum work and fierce growls. In contrast, the title track “Halo” and the closing anthem “My Name Is Night” (featuring a haunting guest vocal by Petronella Nettermalm) show the band’s softer, more cinematic side. The production by Jens Bogren is crystal clear, making sure every guitar lick and folk-inspired melody hits with maximum impact.
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS
“Northwards”: The perfect opener that builds from a prog-rock intro into a heavy metal anthem.
“On The Dark Waters”: Catchy, melodic, and features one of the best choruses the band has ever written.
“The Wolf”: A treat for fans who miss the band’s faster, more aggressive death metal roots.
CONCLUSION
Halo is a masterclass in “Melancholic Progressive Metal.” It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it perfects it. Amorphis has managed to create an album that feels ancient and mythical yet sounds fresh and modern. It is an easy listen for newcomers because of its infectious melodies, but it has enough depth and complexity to keep longtime fans coming back for more. In a world of fleeting trends, Amorphis remains as steady and shining as the North Star.
FINAL RATING
9.0 / 10
“A majestic, hook-filled journey through Finnish mythology that proves Amorphis is currently untouchable.”
