Laakso, Markus-Amorphis (Book Review)
I’m not sure what it is with the Finns. Maybe they are natural born storytellers but there seem to be a disproportionate numbers of Metal books about specific bands from Finland in relation to the ratio of Metal bands to population to books. Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Sentenced, Lordi, Hanoi Rocks and Children Of Bodom and have all had books written about them or books written by members. Add the current book at hand about Amorphis and the Finnish Metal scene is becoming quite well documented! Compare this to neighbouring Sweden with twice the population and way more bands, who have far fewer books written by or about their bands. In the end this curious point does not matter, I’m just glad I can now read the story of Amorphis!
I’ve been anticipating the English translation of this book for years! Originally published in 2015 by Like, the first official biography of the band was intended to commemorate the bands 25th anniversary. Author Markus Laakso wrote the book in Finnish and in late 2022, the English-speaking world was treated to the translated version. The task of translation fell to Katri Makinen who also handled the aforementioned Sentenced book as well.
AMORPHIS (the book) is standard biography. Every band member and countless people involved with the band contributed to make this an authentic and authoritative version of the band’s history. It also has an introduction from the author, a discography and everything is nicely sourced. It’s a nice book to look at as well, there are dozens of photos all across the book including many full colour ones in glossy plates in the middle of the book. Most of these previously unpublished images are drawn from the personal archives of the members themselves.
The chapters flow nicely and follows the bands career in wonderful detail. In the standard fashion from the beginning Laasko introduces us to each member and a provided quite a lot of family history. We read about the early demo days with the band playing in youth centres where drinking was often more important than playing!
Some authors of some biographies focus more on band drama, some focus on recording, some on touring, but Laakso covers everything in great detail; the recording process, line-up changes, the non-musical careers and families of the band, financial stuff, musical gear, record label politics, tour hi-kinks and more. Read More…
