02.08.2013 Amorphis

Wacken Open Air XXIV

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Sigma AF 70-200mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

It was already after midnight when the Party Stage in front of which already a quite impressive crowd had gathered was painted into a soft violet light. The gig of the Finnish metal band of Amorphis should have some features as an acoustic set was announced. And so they started with unknown soft sounds. Growling was relinquished and singer Tomi Joutsens was conscious about convincing with his clear voice. He was supported not only by his band but additionally of a singer (which was introduced as Mari Multanen but unfortunately during the concert was only very slightly audible) and a saxophone player giving the songs a very distinctive charachter. This made songs like "Enigma" or "Rusty Skies" sounding quite unusable but very good. So in the beginning there was no headbanging but attentive listening to the wonderful melodies supported by video overlays.
Unfortunately only the first part was a pure acoustic set (many others just like me would have liked to hear more) but without hard riffs, growls and pyros this would not have been an appropriate Amorphis show. And so the second half was going like a train. Mainly pieces from the current album "Circle" were in the setlist. With stunners like "Silver Bride" or "The Castaways" the crowd in front of the stage was really put in motion before the concert ended with "My Kantele" very dignified.
From my point of view I have to say that this show was one of the highlights of this years Wacken. The band really made it to manage the balancing act between very soft and calm acoustic songs and the afterwards played powerful "classic" songs. A great show which will stay in mind of everyone who saw and heard it.