Released on April 19, 2013, Circle marked a bold and revitalized chapter in Amorphis’s already storied career. Building on the momentum of their previous releases, the Finnish metal veterans returned with an album that not only reaffirmed their status as melodic death metal pioneers but also pushed their songwriting and emotional depth into new and captivating territory. While many long-running bands struggle to keep evolving without losing their identity, Amorphis achieved the rare feat of sounding both timeless and reinvigorated on Circle.
Following the critically praised The Beginning of Times, Circle took a more focused and visceral approach—darker in tone, heavier in delivery, yet still rich with the band’s trademark atmosphere, folk-inspired melodies, and philosophical lyricism. Produced by Hypocrisy’s Peter Tägtgren, the album boasted a punchier, more aggressive sound that perfectly complemented the introspective themes woven throughout.
A Rebirth in Sound: Darkness Refined
With Circle, Amorphis didn’t just maintain their legacy—they elevated it. From the opening track, “Shades of Gray,” the band makes a clear statement: this is heavier, bolder, and more emotionally raw than anything they’ve done in years. The guitars, courtesy of Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, strike a perfect balance between crushing rhythm work and soaring melodic leads, crafting a soundscape that is both cinematic and confrontational.
Tomi Joutsen’s vocal performance is, once again, a standout element of the album. Seamlessly transitioning between guttural growls and impassioned clean singing, Joutsen commands each track with conviction, breathing life into lyrics inspired by ancient myth and personal transformation. Whether channeling fury or vulnerability, his delivery anchors the album’s emotional core.
“Every album is a story,” Joutsen reflected in an interview. “But Circle felt personal in a different way—more introspective, more intense. It was about isolation, strength, and finding your own way out of the darkness.”
Progressive Depth Meets Melodic Power
What sets Circle apart from many in the melodic death metal sphere is its masterful use of dynamics. Amorphis has always been adept at weaving beauty into brutality, and on Circle, that contrast is more compelling than ever. Tracks like “Hopeless Days” and “Nightbird’s Song” demonstrate the band’s ability to craft intricate arrangements without sacrificing accessibility. The folk-inspired melodies, often driven by keyboardist Santeri Kallio, add a unique texture that gives the music an almost spiritual resonance.
Tägtgren’s production brings a sharper edge to the band’s sound, allowing each instrument to breathe while still retaining the weight and richness Amorphis fans expect. The rhythm section—Niclas Etelävuori on bass and Jan Rechberger on drums—drives the music forward with both precision and nuance, especially on songs like “Narrow Path” and “The Wanderer.”
While the band’s progressive roots remain intact, Circle leans more into emotion and groove than technical showmanship. It’s a refreshing reminder that complexity doesn’t always mean speed—it means arrangement, atmosphere, and storytelling.
A Journey of Isolation and Strength
Lyrically, Circle explores themes of inner struggle, rebirth, and self-realization. Inspired by Finnish mythology but written with a deeply human perspective, the album centers around a protagonist who finds strength through suffering and spiritual awakening. Pekka Kainulainen’s poetic storytelling once again serves as a lyrical backbone, guiding listeners through a dark yet hopeful tale.
This thematic focus lends Circle a conceptual weight that enhances its replay value. Every song feels connected, both musically and narratively, giving the album a cohesiveness that many records strive for but rarely achieve.
“We’ve always been drawn to transformation,” Holopainen noted. “The idea that through hardship, we evolve. That’s the essence of Circle—finding power in isolation.”
A Masterclass in Melodic Metal Maturity
By the time Circle was released, Amorphis were already legends in their genre—but this album proved they weren’t content to rest on their legacy. Instead, they delivered a collection of songs that felt urgent, inspired, and remarkably fresh. It’s the sound of a band completely in control of their identity, yet still hungry to explore new emotional depths and sonic directions.
Whether it’s the anthemic power of “Into the Abyss,” the brooding beauty of “Enchanted by the Moon,” or the triumphant closer “A New Day,” Circle is packed with moments that resonate long after the final note fades.
Final Verdict: 9/10
Standout Tracks:
- Shades of Gray
- Hopeless Days
- Nightbird’s Song
- Narrow Path
- A New Day
For fans of emotionally rich, melodically driven metal, Circle is a shining example of a band in their prime—mature, fearless, and profoundly human. It’s an album that doesn’t just entertain but resonates, offering a journey as cathartic as it is powerful.
Whether you’re a longtime follower or new to the world of Amorphis, Circle is essential listening: a testament to growth, survival, and the strength we find within ourselves.
