The Karelian Isthmus
The Karelian Isthmus is the title of the first full-length studio LP album of Finnish metal band Amorphis, released in 1992.
The Karelian Isthmus | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 1 November 1992 | |||
Recorded | April 1992 (The Karelian Isthmus) May 1991 (Privilege of Evil) | |||
Studio | Sunlight Studios (The Karelian Isthmus) TTT Studio, Helsinki (Privilege of Evil) | |||
Genre | Death metal, death-doom | |||
Length | 44:34 | |||
Label | Relapse | |||
Producer | Amorphis, Tomas Skogsberg | |||
Amorphis chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic |
Although The Karelian Isthmus took its name from a historic Finnish battleground, Karelian Isthmus, its lyrics focus on Amorphis's well known epic themes from the history of Finnish warfare and religion, but drawing more from Celtic mythology rather than the later traditions of Amorphis's own native land. The epic side is sometimes broken up by the occult lyrical themes in tracks including "Pilgrimage", "Misery Path" and "Black Embrace". In recent years, songs from this album have been receiving more play during Amorphis' live performances, despite being of a different style than their later works.
This release was the last recorded release to have the original lineup of the band as later on the band would have either additional members or original members quitting. Privilege of Evil was the last release with the original lineup, but it was recorded before this album. Both releases were combined in a 2003 reissue.
Track listing
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Length |
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1. | "Karelia" | Instrumental | T. Koivusaari, E. Holopainen | 0:43 |
2. | "The Gathering" | E. Holopainen | T. Koivusaari | 4:12 |
3. | "Grail's Mysteries" | E. Holopainen | E. Holopainen | 3:02 |
4. | "Warriors Trial" | E. Holopainen | T. Koivusaari, E. Holopainen | 5:04 |
5. | "Black Embrace" | J. Rechberger | T. Koivusaari, E. Holopainen | 3:38 |
6. | "The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu" | E. Holopainen | E. Holopainen | 3:43 |
7. | "The Lost Name of God" | J. Rechberger | E. Holopainen, T. Koivusaari, J. Rechberger | 5:32 |
8. | "The Pilgrimage" | E. Holopainen | T. Koivusaari | 4:39 |
9. | "Misery Path" | E. Holopainen | E. Holopainen, T. Koivusaari, J. Rechberger | 4:17 |
10. | "The Sign from the North Side" | E. Holopainen | E. Holopainen, T. Koivusaari, O.P. Laine | 4:54 |
Total length: | 44:34 |
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Length |
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11. | "Vulgar Necrolatry (Abhorrence cover)" | J. Ahlroth | T. Koivusaari | 4:21 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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12. | "Pilgrimage from Darkness" | Amorphis | 4:32 |
13. | "Black Embrace" | E. Holopainen, T. Koivusaari, J. Rechberger | 3:25 |
14. | "Privilege of Evil" | Amorphis | 3:50 |
15. | "Misery Path" | E. Holopainen, T. Koivusaari, J. Rechberger | 4:17 |
16. | "Vulgar Necrolatry" | T. Koivusaari, J. Ahlroth | 3:58 |
17. | "Excursing from Existence" | Amorphis | 3:06 |
Total length: | 23:10 |
Personnel
Amorphis
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Additional personnel
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References
- "Allmusic review". Allmusic. All Media Guide. Retrieved 2011-06-16.