Finland’s Amorphis rolls through Mavericks

Finnish legends Amorphis hit up Ottawa’s Mavericks recently.  Currently on world tour in support of their new album ‘Queen of Time’, the band has been leaving a path of destruction in their wake.

Opening with the lead track “The Bee” off of their current album ‘Queen of Time’  the band was greeted to a pretty packed house that was very ecstatic to see one of Finland’s favorites.  Frontman Tomi Jousten wide array of vocal range is quite impressive. Spanning from a deathly growl that creeps into your soul, to soothing melodic crispiness. Jousten certainly keeps you on your toes as to what is going to come next.  From the opening track, the band went straight into “Golden Elk” also off the new record. Jousten paused afterward thanking the audience for coming out. He mentioned that they were very stoked to be able to play Ottawa this time round, as the previous tour they were unable to make it across the border from the states due to bad weather.

Guitarist Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari make it seem like a walk in the park as they slay through the big riffs that bring a combination of shred, doom, and melodic chaos.  Drummer Jan Rechberger crushes the kit with eyes rolling in the back of his head like a possed demon, Olli-Pekka Laine plays the bass with a calm and cool attitude, his youthfulness exudes him and shines through his stage presence.

Former The Gathering singer Anneke van Giersbergen opened the night’s festivities up. Many in the crowd weren’t sure what to expect when she jumped up on the stage solo with an acoustic, but quickly the Dutch songstress had the audience in the palm of her hand.  Playing a variety of songs from collaborations with the likes of Devin Townsend and Ayreon, one of her own solo tracks, a Gathering song and covers ranging from Dolly Parton, Audio Slave, Pink Floyd, and Iron Maiden  Giersbergen had the audience in the palm of her hand.  A funny moment during her set was asking the audience what they would rather hear, a Kiss song or Dolly Parton. You would have thought at a metal show Kiss would have been the choice, but nope the audience chose Dolly Parton.  It was a great start to an epic night of music from across the pond.