Halo

Rock and metal music have always been a haven for those with bigger stories to tell and grander emotions to convey. For over thirty years, Finnish figureheads Amorphis have carved their own niche with heartfelt yet aggressive, melancholic yet soothing tunes. With their fourteenth studio effort, "Halo," Amorphis solidify their status as one of the most original and culturally relevant acts to emerge from Finland. By weaving the tales of the Finnish national epic "Kalevala" into their songs, Amorphis honor tradition while embracing modernity. "Halo" showcases their musical and storytelling mastery at a soaring level, blending progressive, melodic, and quintessentially melancholic heavy metal. Original guitarists Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, along with the rest of the band, deliver a captivating experience that transcends time. The album marks a worthy finale to the trilogy that began with 2015's "Under the Red Cloud" and continued with 2018's "Queen of Time." According to Holopainen, the band's founding member, "Halo" retains the recognizable Amorphis sound while offering a heavier, more progressive, and organic atmosphere compared to its predecessor. Vocalist Tomi Joutsen describes the album as slightly more stripped down but emphasizes that when a song needs to sound big, it delivers. Producer Jens Bogren, known for his meticulous approach, has once again elevated Amorphis' sound to new heights