Queen of Time

Queen of Time expands Amorphis’s blend of melodic death metal, progressive shape and Finnish shadow into its most cinematic scale to date. Heavy guitar patterns and harsh vocals create tension, while Tomi Joutsen’s clear singing, orchestra, choir and folk-colored details turn that darkness into something broad and lingering. The arrangements are rich, but memorable melody remains the center of every piece. “Amongst Stars,” “The Bee” and “Wrong Direction” move naturally between force and melancholy, weight and accessibility. Even when the songs take their time, each section is placed to strengthen the next melodic arrival rather than simply add decoration. The mythic atmosphere associated with Pekka Kainulainen’s lyric world deepens the sense of narrative. Repeated listens reveal the careful placement of strings, choral voices and the changing balance between clean singing and growls. Grand but never cold, Queen of Time is a major statement of Amorphis’s long-developed lyricism.