The Karelian Isthmus

by Amorphis

Overview

The Karelian Isthmus is one of the best early-'90s European death metal debuts. Amorphis previously issued some demos that were eventually combined into Privilege of Evil, but 1992's The Karelian Isthmus is the band's first fully conceived effort. What is most impressive is the high dynamic standard that the group establishes so early in its recording career. This is due mainly to the group's heavy and quite original riffs. "Black Embrace" and "The Lost Name of God" feature some of the most effective and yet surprisingly simple guitar signatures imaginable. By themselves, these compositions and performances would be enough to warrant a strong recommendation, but The Karelian Isthmus is more than just a few nice guitar phrases. The husky vocals and tight drum performances also earn Amorphis high death metal/grindcore marks. A must for fans of this group's early, melodic death metal period, The Karelian Isthmus ranks among Amorphis' finest offerings. [Also available with bonus tracks from the Privilege of Evil EP.] ~ Vincent Jeffries

Product Details

Release Date:	01/21/2003
Label:	Relapse Records
UPC:	0781676655328
Rank:	63695

Tracks

1. Karelia
2. The Gathering
3. Grail's Mysteries
4. Warriors Trail
5. Black Embrace
6. The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu
7. The Lost Name of God
8. The Pilgrimage
9. Misery Path
10. The Sign from the North Side
11. Vulgar Necrolatry
12. Pilgrimage from Darkness
13. Black Embrace
14. Privilege of Evil
15. Misery Path
16. Vulgar Necrolatry
17. Excursing from Existence

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Amorphis   Primary Artist
Tomi Koivusaari   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar,Vocals
Esa Holopainen   Guitar,Guitar (12 String)
Jan Rechberger   Drums,Keyboards
Olli-Pekka Laine   Bass

Technical Credits

William J. Jr. Yurkiewicz   Executive Producer
Miran Kim   Art Direction
Amorphis   Producer
Esa Holopainen   Composer
David Shirk   Mastering
Tomas Skogsberg   Engineer,Producer
Matthew F. Jacobson   Executive Producer
Jan Rechberger   Composer
Olli-Pekka Laine   Composer
Tomi Koivusaari   Composer