Amoral  

Finland just keeps pumping out quality band after quality band, including this Helsinki-based group who formed in 2000. Stylewise, though, this is clearly a tale of two cities. The band's earlier efforts, such as 2005's Decrowning, middle ground between brutal and melodic death metal, expertly produced and played, and these albums were quite well received. But even on those earlier albums there were traces of a more rock sensibility, slight hints of mainstream accessibility, and these influences were brought to the forefront on 2009's Show Your Colors. Gone were the death metal vocals, courtesy of a new frontman. Gone were the more aggressive, technical riffing. Amoral had transformed itself into a melodic power metal band, almost overnight. That transition has continued on 2011's Beneath, as the band continues to forge its own new path. Needless to say, this rather abrupt change in direction has sharply divided fans, as many accustomed to the old style have not taken to the new albums, as seen in several online reviews. Yet there is no doubt a new legion of listeners embracing this new direction, and as it is unlikely these guys will return to their death roots, their future is in their hands.

Current Members Ari Koivunen vocals Ben Varon guitars Masi Hukari guitars Pekka Johansson bass Juhana Karlsson drums

Former Members/Guests Niko Kalliojärvi vocals Silver Ots guitars Erkki Silvennoinen bass (De Lirium's Order, Omnium Gatherum)

Discography

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Wound Creations 
2004 Rage Of Achilles

The Verge Atrocity Evolution Silent Renewal Solvent The Last Round Other Flesh Distract Nothing Daunted (Gallows Pole Rock n' Roll) Languor Passage

Niko Kalliojärvi Ben Varon Silver Ots Erkki Silvennoinen Juhana Karlsson

Reviews:   Lords Of Metal 

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Decrowning 
2005 Spinefarm

Showdown Lacrimal Gland Decrowning Tiebreaker Drug of Choice Denial 101 Control Cancer Raptus Warp Bleeder

Niko Kalliojärvi Ben Varon Silver Ots Erkki Silvennoinen Juhana Karlsson

Reviews:   Blabbermouth  Sea Of Tranquility  Lords Of Metal  Metal Observer 

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Reptile Ride 
2007 Spinefarm

Leave Your Dead Behind Nerdvasion Hang Me High Mute Few And Far Between Snake Skin Saddle D-Drop Bop Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Fun Pusher

Niko Kalliojärvi Ben Varon Silver Ots Juhana Karlsson

Reviews:   Chronicles Of Chaos  Lords Of Metal  Metal Observer 

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Show Your Colors 
2009 Spinefarm

Random Words Release A Shade of Gray Year of the Suckerpunch Perfection Design Sex N' Satan Song for the Stubborn Vivid Gave Up Easy Last October Exit

Ari Koivunen Ben Varon Silver Ots Pekka Johansson Juhana Karlsson

Reviews:   Lords Of Metal  Metal Observer 

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Beneath 
2011 Spinefarm

Beneath Wrapped in Barbwire Silhouette Things Left Unsaid (Won't Go) Home Closure Same Difference Hours of Simplicity Wastelands This Ever Ending Game No Future Of Silent Stares & Fire Lost

Ari Koivunen Ben Varon Masi Hukari Pekka Johansson Juhana Karlsson