The Beginning of Times
Amorphis · 2011
58 min · 13 tracks · progressive metal
A fusion of melodic death metal and atmospheric folk, layered with intricate arrangements and hauntingly poetic lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mermaid — This track features a captivating blend of melodic hooks and dark storytelling, encapsulating the album's thematic exploration of folklore and mythology.
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Soothsayer — Incorporating progressive elements, this track exemplifies Amorphis' skillful musicianship while addressing themes of fate and destiny through its dynamic structure.
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Battle for Light Start here — The opening track sets an epic tone for the album, combining heavy riffs with lyrical depth that reflects the internal struggles portrayed throughout the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but may not have broad appeal beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- Vocals alternate between growled and clean singing, often within the same song, creating dynamic contrasts.
- The track 'Song of the Sage' includes a lengthy instrumental section that builds tension before returning to lyrical themes.
- Several songs incorporate atmospheric interludes that enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- layered, dense sonic textures
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Amorphis' continued vitality and complexity in their sound after a resurgence.
- Themes
- Finnish folklore· mythical storytelling· fate and destiny
- Career context
- The Beginning of Times marked Amorphis' tenth studio album, released in 2011 after a successful resurgence following their 2007 album, Silent Waters. The band had solidified their unique sound blending death metal with Finnish folklore, further establishing their position in the metal scene during this period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Opeth· Insomnium· Swallow the Sun
Tracklist
- 1 Battle for Light Start here 5:35
- 2 Mermaid 4:24
- 3 My Enemy 3:25
- 4 You I Need 4:22
- 5 Song of the Sage 5:26
- 6 Three Words 3:55
- 7 Reformation 4:33
- 8 Soothsayer 4:09
- 9 On a Stranded Shore 4:12
- 10 Escape 3:51
- 11 Crack in a Stone 4:55
- 12 Beginning of Time 5:50
- 13 Heart's Song 4:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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