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Black Winter Day

Finland Country of Origin: Finland

Black Winter Day
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Type: EP
Release Date: 1994
Genre: Death, Doom, Gothic, Melodic, Progressive
1. Black Winter Day
2. Folk Of The North
3. Moon And Sun
4. Moon And Sun Part II: North's Son

Review by Luka on January 19, 2002.

This EP will help quench your thirst for that special atmosphere and feeling of the "Thousand Lakes" masterpiece that Amorphis once created with two original songs and an enchanting intro. The "ever-changing" have long since left behind the slow, doomy sound and death growls of probably the most significant album in the band’s career, and for some of us the serving wasn't enough.

Following the classic 'Black Winter Day' single is the strange and beautiful piano-based track 'Folk of the North'. A simple and passionate anthem that somehow really characterizes the northern folk and the pride Amorphis take in crafting their music with a strong sense of tradition.

The meat of the EP is found in the tracks 'Moon and Sun' and it’s sequel 'Part II: North’s Son' . The second part anxiously breaks into a quick, cheerful melody with a strong beat after Part one’s more sluggish and darker mood. The lyrics are still 100% traditional Finnish and the music, as always, dark, doomy, distorted and often painfully slow. The two songs would fit and flow seamlessly in the original album and 'Folk of the North' is easily a better opener than the 'Thousand Lakes' track from original album. For those who can’t get enough of the talented Finns, I strongly recommend this!

Bottom Line: Not much different than the original album... and who’s to complain?

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 9
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7
Overall: 7

Rating: 8 out of 10

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