Where old and new meet in perfect harmony - A review of Amorphis' Live at Helsinki Ice Hall

Amorphis is not only one of the most consistent, creative and versatile bands in the studio but also a truly charismatic, energetic and passionate group on stage. Eleven years after its first and only live record Forging the Land of Thousand Lakes, the Finnish sextet finally comes around with its second strike Live at Helsinki Ice Hall. Collectors and fans can however also purchase An Evening with Friends at Huvila that is only available in bundles, digitally and on vinyl as well as the perfect Live at Loud Park release that was only included on the Japanese limited edition of Under the Red Cloud. As for Live at Helsinki Ice Hall, it can easily be purchased on CD but also in a boxed set of vinyls.

Recorded just before the pandemic, this release features fifteen songs for a running time of eighty-eight minutes on two discs. The record starts with a progressive, melodic and atmospheric instrumental overture that leads into opener ''The Bee'' that finds the perfect mixture between atmospheric harsh parts and melancholy melodic parts. The diversified drum play, powerful bass guitar, versatile guitar play, enchanting keyboard sounds and soulful vocals by the world's greatest vocalist should conquer your souls, minds and hearts by storm.

The band's more recent songs harmonize perfectly with its classics. On the former side, ''Daughter of Hate'' is a blistering, liberating and sinister epic that ends the first disc on the highest of notes while the mysterious ''The Golden Elk'' swiftly meanders between brutal and fast verses on one side and an epic and melodic chorus for the ages on the other side. Among the band's classics, the short and focused ''Into Hiding'' never gets old and transitions harmoniously between slow to mid-paced menacing verses to hypnotizing and melodic choruses while ''My Kantele'' offers longing escapism with psychedelic, progressive and folkloristic notes in seven fascinating minutes.

Lead singer Tomi Joutsen makes sure to interact with the crowd and lets the fans participate from time to time which works well in dreamy, melodic and romantic closer ''House of Sleep''. The live atmosphere on this release is strong but the band's performances sound as flawless as in the studio which is truly remarkable. The only thing I would suggest is to record the next live album outside of Finland to give the band's numerous international fans the opportunity to understand the interactions.

At the end of the day, Amorphis' Live at Helsinki Ice Hall is a serious candidate for live record of the year. Anyone who likes rock and metal music, no matter what subgenre, should get her or his hands on this stunning output. The only reason why this record didn't get the perfect grade is because the set list on Forging the Land of Thousand Lakes was a little bit more extensive and because Live at Loud Park had an even more energetic performance. Still, Amorphis' Live at Helsinki Ice Hall blows ninety-nine percent of all other live albums out of the water.

Final rating: 98%