There are some bands you just know will find it hard to release not only a bad album, but even a mediocre one. You can often tell this from the very first single of their upcoming release. Amorphis are one such band. The Finnish veterans return with their fifteenth full-length album, released in the same year they celebrate thirty-five years of continuous presence on the metal scene.
With “Borderland”, Amorphis don’t exactly follow the formula of the excellent “Halo” (2022), as the prominent melodic death metal elements are largely absent this time. Instead, the record feels more like a spiritual continuation of “The Beginning of Times” (2011). The album leans further into melody, embracing the defining characteristics of the band’s sound — lush atmospheres, captivating melodies, rich keyboard textures, and of course the incredible Tomi Joutsen, who effortlessly shapes each song with his distinctive and expressive voice.
And since this is an Amorphis album, variety within the compositions is both expected and welcomed. The oriental melodies of “Bones”, the surprisingly dance-like rhythm of “Dancing Shadow”, the acoustic guitars of “Tempest”, the retro-prog keyboard feel of “The Lantern”, and the melodic death touches in the stunning “Despair” are just a few examples. As always, none of these elements feel out of place — they are seamlessly woven into the band’s cohesive and unmistakable sound.
With “Borderland”, the Finns aren’t trying to reinvent themselves — and they don’t need to. While they move away from the direction of their previous work and revisit familiar territory, this is by no means a drawback. The album is filled with quality, emotion, and memorable moments, featuring songs that every fan will long to experience live. It’s the kind of record every band strives to make, but only a few have the skill and consistency to actually achieve.
