It is certain that when Violent Solution broke up in 1990, and thoughts turned to forming a new band, none of the guys expected to still be in it 30 years later. True, both Jan Rechberger and Olli-Pekka Laine had some time off for good behaviour, but they are both solidly back with Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, while Santeri Kallio has been there for more than 20 years and even newbie Tomi Joutsen has been there for 15. An incredibly stable band then, and one which has continued to gain many fans over the years. True, their style has changed somewhat, but any band in operation for that length of time will do that and in this show they were back in their hometown in a celebratory mood. Recorded on December 7th, 2019, little did the Finns know that this would be one of their last concerts before the pandemic outbreak in early 2020.

But tonight was all about headlining a huge show in the arena where as youngsters they used to go to see bands like Deep Purple, Iron Maiden and Metallica, never thinking that one day they would sell it out, knowing there would be people in the audience who would be as impacted by Amorphis as they were themselves all those years earlier. Of course, being at home, all the conversation with the fans is in Finnish, while the lyrics are in English. Tomi Joutsen is a great singer, able to growl or sing properly, always in full control and providing the right emphasis against the highly melodic and locked in guitars of Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari. The rhythm section is locked down tight and then over the top we have some wonderful keyboards to provide atmosphere and move the music in a totally different direction. There is an intensity and power in all they do, but also, they have the temerity to switch tempos and throw in sounds like a Hammond Organ, let the bassist have a solo, and one can here the enjoyment from everyone on stage and in the audience. This is a homecoming celebration, and everyone is there for a party.

I have always felt that in many ways Amorphis are a band who have never really been given all the kudos they deserve, as they continually deliver, and can be throw in songs which are almost power ballads against others which are deathlier and others that are symphonic. At nearly 90 minutes long this shows a band at the very top of their game.

Rating: 9/10

Links:
https://amorphis.net/
https://www.nuclearblast.com/eu/