Under the Red Cloud
Amorphis · 2015
60 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal
Melodic death metal intertwines with progressive elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evokes both darkness and beauty.
Top tracks — play these first
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Under the Red Cloud Start here — The title track captures the album's essence, blending heavy riffs with haunting melodies that set an atmospheric tone for the entire record.
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Death of a King — This track combines powerful lyrics with dynamic shifts in tempo, showcasing Amorphis's ability to blend storytelling with intricate musical compositions.
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Enemy at the Gates — With its relentless energy and compelling choruses, this song exemplifies the band's signature style while pushing their sound into new territories.
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, balancing heaviness with melodic elements, though it follows established genre conventions.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, particularly strings, which enhance the atmospheric quality without overshadowing the heavy instrumentation.
- The last three tracks gradually slow down in tempo, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the more aggressive earlier songs.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- steady pacing for deep focus
- gradual climaxes demand attention
- rich emotional depth throughout
- melodic explorations for reflection
- immersive journey through sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and maturity in sound, following a successful previous album.
- Themes
- Nordic mythology· royal downfall
- Career context
- Released on September 4, 2015, 'Under the Red Cloud' marks Amorphis's twelfth studio album, following their successful 2013 release 'Circle'. The album showcases a maturation in their sound, reflecting their evolution from traditional death-doom roots into a more melodic and progressive territory.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Opeth· Insomnium· Swallow the Sun
Tracklist
- 1 Under the Red Cloud Start here 5:33
- 2 The Four Wise Ones 4:41
- 3 Bad Blood 5:23
- 4 The Skull 5:05
- 5 Death of a King 5:14
- 6 Sacrifice 3:56
- 7 Dark Path 5:09
- 8 Enemy at the Gates 5:07
- 9 Tree of Ages 4:37
- 10 White Night 5:15
- 11 Come the Spring 3:27
- 12 Winter’s Sleep 6:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Ghost Reveries
Opeth
Merges melodic death metal with progressive elements, exploring dark themes and rich sonic textures.
Shadows of the Dying Sun
Insomnium
Combines melodic death metal with atmospheric layers, reflecting on nature and existential themes.
Songs from the North I, II & III
Swallow the Sun
Blends melodic doom with melancholic atmospheres, delving into darkness and beauty in its lyrical imagery.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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