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After hearing "The Day Of Your Beliefs" and "Mourning Soil" on their homepage I was drooling to get my hands on the sixth full-length of this Finnish band and finally I have it! The axe of Ukko, which had been on the cover of their legendary "Tales From The Thousand Lakes", also adorns this otherwise simply red (no pun intended) cover. Also, the band has split with Relapse and signed to a major label, namely Virgin.
Musicwise AMORPHIS anno 2003 continue from where they left off on "Am Universum" but at the same time they've absorbed influences from their harsher earlier works. The opener "The Day Of Your Beliefs" was the perfect choice as the first single as it is most likely the easiest track on the CD. With simplistic melodies and a catchy chorus the song sticks to mind on the first listen and refuses to let go, just like "Alone" from their previous record. "Planetary Misfortune" is equally rocking but throws a curveball in the form of some great Arabian sounds and interludes. "Ethereal Solitude" then, has caught AMORPHIS on a very peaceful day. The song floats irresistibly and creates a very mellow mood. "Killing Goodness" is a prime example that AMORPHIS have been listening to a lot of 70's Rock. A certain DEEP PURPLE comes to mind from the keyboards here. The ending track is simply a ballad, and at that, doesn't really go well with me thus bringing the greatness of "Far From The Sun" down a notch.v The already mentioned songs show that not one track is like the other and basically pointing out single songs here only scratches the surface of what this package contains. Adding to that the fact that every song is full of nuances and changes that demand full attention from the listener. After all, we are talking about AMORPHIS here!
Overall "Far From The Sun" is more guitar driven than "Am Universum" which only adds to it's appeal and shows that not only has AMORPHIS continued their progression but at the same time they've incorporated a more Rock sound to the songs. But in the end they still remain as one of a kind in the music business and continue to bedazzle us with their endeavours. (Online June 30, 2003)
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