After three accomplished technical death metal albums, 2004’s “Wound Creations”, 2005’s “Decrowning” and 2007’s “Reptile Ride” and three extensive European tours, Amoral had to endure the loss of their vocalist Niko Kalliojärvi, who left the band due to his diminished motivation which may or may not have had something to do with the musical direction the band was moving to. The more melodic side of Amoral’s songwriting reared its head already on “Reptile Ride” in songs like “Snake Skin Saddle” and “Mute”, but it is only now, on their 4th outing “Show Your Colors”, that the curveballs have become the main course.
While the change became imminent, why wouldn’t they go all the way? Next thing you know, Amoral rocked the boat by enlisting the services of Ari Koivunen, the one and only Idols talent show winner in the Universe who has won the show singing heavy metal and hard rock standards. While maybe upsetting some of the band's old fans, the entry of Koivunen, who himself has released a Double Platinum selling debut album and another that exceeded the Gold limit, is sure as taxes and death, to raise the Helsinki rockers to the lips of a wider audience.
In musical terms the band's 4th album is an about-turn, replacing the dominance of quirky death metal with an exemplary display of riff-driven, heavy, yet melodic power groove and the occasional sing-along chorus, thus owing in equal measures to the likes of Skid Row and Pantera. The change doesn't end with vocals and style, though, “Show Your Colors” is also the recording debut for Amoral's new bassist Pekka Johansson whose pulsating bass lines prove, the newcomer can keep up with the Amoral traits of old and new alike: Amoral has always been recognized for their exceptional skill, and never has it been as obvious as now.
Amoral prove they've got what it takes to go against the grain, against the odds, against the world. Do you? Show Your Colors!
Sneak peek in to the Baltics before the BIG BANG and grief. We have such things to show you! What happened and to whom? Are they really on the good side? What on earth is this post-soviet area with nuclear missiles!? This time we give you only some questions, soon you'll get the answers:
The documentary starts showing on December 6th 2009 and that's not all. Grotesque Gallery will release some new music at the same time with each episode. The series consists of 9 days and we upload one episode per week, every Sunday beginning on 12/6/2009.
Hei guys, thanks for the add. I wasn't able to see you when you played in Athens but I checked out videos in youtube and I liked what I saw, keep it up and ignore all the hate comments cause I think changes are good and I like the new album!
Hallo. You had a great show in Essen! Listening to your studio tracks it became obvious that the live sound unfortunately impaired so much of your quality. And thus your free Mini CD was a "revelation": Your songs indeed ARE great (particularly the vocals) Best wishes from Germany, Arndt
Greetings. A review of your performance in Prague has just come out at http://www.abysszine.com/2009100031-amorphis-before-the-dawn-amoral.html. Best wishes from the staff of ABYSSzine.com
Online Now!
