Relapse Records Turns 25: Their 10 Most Groundbreaking Releases
A Return To The Roots Of Relapse Records
7. Amorphis – Elegy (1996)
Source // jpc.de
Fundamentally ditching the Death Metal for a considered approach to Finnish folk influences and Melodic Progressive Metal, Amorphis bravely set sail into unchartered waters on their third record.
Clean, almost Classic Rock, vocals competed with the cave dwelling guttural grumblings of old and the two disparate styles blended perfectly; Amorphis completing their metamorphoses into a band that transcended genre and created something utterly unique.
Elegy had it all; originality, intricate melody, acoustic guitars, crushing riffs and shrewd yet effective keyboards. Few bands have the courage to alter their sound this drastically and few labels would then have the courage to release it. Fortunately, Amorphis were no normal band and Relapse no normal label.
Hi Chris,
Interesting list, to say the least. “Through Silver in Blood” as #1 is spot-on. That album is one the heaviest albums of all time. And it was so, so groundbreaking. And still is. Neurosis absolutely rules. I can’t say I agree with all your picks (High on Fire?), but your passion is obvious, so I’ll drink to that. But man, where is “Using Sickness as a Hero” by Human Remains? That’s a forgotten classic for sure. Thanks for the great read.
Stéphane Pageau
Hey man, thanks for reading and commenting. “Using Sickness As A Hero” is a unique album I’ll say that much, look for it in a future article!
I like this list. It is a good list. Thank you.
….and thank you for reading \m/
Thanks, man.