AMORPHIS - Silent Waters

My strength is not enough, my powers failed me
I need the heavens' help, I ask for thunder's force

Even though it is released just one year away from Eclipse, Silent Waters brings us a creative and full of inspiration Amorphis. Of course, many will compare it to Eclipse and notice the similarities, ignoring the differences, but I think it would be absurd to ask them to make an album in the vein of Tales... now, in 2007. It is just not possible, so just enjoy Silent Waters and leave it carry you again into the land of Finnish stories.
The album is simply excellent, with or without initiation journeys inspired by Kalevala, with a Tomi Joutsen who is so well integrated into the band that you would say that he’s been there since the very beginning. I must admit that the song Silent Waters is exceptional, and Tomi’s singing manages to surprise me every time. Of course, the instrumental part cannot be ignored, and the album is a typical Amorphis one; in addition to the clean/growl alternating vocals, there are of course keyboards, acoustic guitars, riffs and subtle folk influences (Enigma).
The album has a medium tempo, but this is in now way a problem; I was as attentive and pleased listening to the “ballads” Her Alone, I of Crimson Blood and to the heavier songs, such as The White Swan and Towards and Against (the latter has an awesome start).
(+) writing inspiration, Silent Waters (the song), Black River, Tomi Joutsen’s perfect integration
(-) none worthy of note (personally I would have wanted it a bit less aggressive, but it’s perfect as it is)

SkyDancer Nota: 9.5