Amorphis’ epic Queen of Time comes to the screen with this amazing blu/ray CD package. Filmed during lockdown at the empty Tavastia, the band perform their acclaimed 2018 release in its entirety, with an impressive multi-angle shoot that manages to catch the intensity and dynamic of the band’s live show, even in the absence of a live audience.
Released via Atomic Fire Records as a CD/Blu Ray package, on 2-disc coloured vinyl, and digitally, Queen of Time Live at Tavastia 2021 is a package primarily for the fans, something that shows through in the quality of the production. As attractive as the vinyl is, however, it is surely the blu/ray CD edition that will attract the most attention. With reference quality visuals and sound, it is simply a stunning representation of the band on stage and in full flight, while the impressively restrained visual edit offers clear, well-timed shots throughout – not always a given with metal show edits.
The show kicks off with the rippling epic The Bee, which proves to be a stunning performance of a classic-in-the-making. With the band’s impressively honed performance all but threatening to put the studio recording to shame, it’s clear that the raw energy on display comes from a band just glad to be on stage with one another. Next up, the lengthy, folk-tinged Message in the Amber finds Tomi Jousten in fine voice, his soaring cleans juxtaposed with harsh growls, which he clearly enjoys trading with guitarist Tomi Koivusaari. The choral backing tracks employed here, meanwhile, are effective, perhaps because the lack of a crowd allows for a more controlled environment – somewhere between the studio and a sweaty live gig – and the overall effect is surprisingly powerful. Taking a more deathly turn, Daughter of Hate is a dynamic piece with brutal elements set against an airy verse reminiscent of Katatonia, the band managing the transitions with deft skill. It’s followed by the fast paced and melodic The Golden Elk, a track that boasts a soaring chorus that sticks in the mind long after the performance has come to an end. Once again, it is Tomi who shines, delivering his vocals with real power and passion. The first half wraps up with Wrong Direction, another track built around a mesmerising guitar line, although it’s Jan Rechberger’s powerful performance behind the kit that truly stands out here, the rolling thunder of his toms driving this most dynamic track forward.
With the set hurtling past, the atmospheric introduction to Heart of the Giant draws us into another realm, the sound of swirling winds giving the opening bars a Floydian feel before the track explodes into one of the album’s fastest-paced moments, all galloping drums and soaring synth-choirs. The Howard Shore-esque folk introduction to We Accursed allows for a brief moment of calm before the band unleash the guitars for a rampant track that evokes the towering rocks and raging torrents of some far flung mountain region. Rather more brutal, albeit with a stunning chorus, is Grain of Sand, a track that expands to include syncopated beats and choral elements amidst everything else that’s going on. It takes a special band to bring such elements together, but Amorphis make it look easy, delivering a masterclass in progressive metal in the process. Unsurprisingly, Amongst Stars (feat. the one and only Anneke Van Giersbergen) is a set highlight, but for all that Anneke’s voice remains a thing of wonder, it is the way that Amorphis weave it into their sound that makes this such a truly stunning moment. It’s a shame that Anneke couldn’t be on stage with the band (for obvious reasons), but her ethereal presence nonetheless serves to elevate the performance and it’s neatly edited into the show. Rounding out both the album and the set, Pyres on the Coast provides a strong conclusion and, while it’s tempting to wish for a bonus track or two, there is much to be said for their allowing the remarkable Queen of Time album to stand on its own merits. As it is, Pyres on the Coast has a cinematic feel that fits the overall vibe of the performance and it leaves the listener very much wanting more as the band calmly take a final bow.
With the lockdowns of 2020 – 2021 threatening to overwhelm so much of the music industry, Amorphis pulled out all of the stops to deliver something truly special for their fans. The band put on a peerless performance, aided by a crystal-clear mix and a brilliantly edited shoot that makes for an endlessly rewatchable show. Resisting the temptation to force a sense of “action” through rapid cuts, the restrained approach here allows the viewer to appreciate the intensity and skill of the band’s performance, while the sound is wonderfully immersive, even in stereo. The perfect companion piece to an album already considered a masterpiece of the genre, Queen of Time Live at Tavastia 2021 is more or less flawless. Highly recommended. 9.5/10
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