Amorphis guitarist Esa Holopainen reveals why their latest album 'Borderland' sounds unlike anything they’ve done before—and it’s all thanks to a bold change in producers. But here’s where it gets controversial: after three successful albums with Jens Bogren, the band decided to switch things up, sparking debates among fans about whether the new sound is a step forward or a departure from their roots. In a candid interview with Austria's Stormbringer TV, Holopainen shared that the decision to work with Danish producer Jacob Hansen wasn’t just about change—it was about evolution. 'We’re always searching for something new,' he explained, emphasizing that while Bogren was fantastic, Amorphis thrives on pushing boundaries. And this is the part most people miss: Hansen’s diverse portfolio, from Danish rock band D-A-D to Swedish metal outfit Amaranthe, aligned perfectly with Amorphis’ genre-blending style. 'Our music is like a soup with every possible influence,' Holopainen quipped, and Hansen’s fresh perspective brought a clarity and modernity to Borderland that even the band didn’t anticipate.
During the album’s creation, recorded in late 2024 and early 2025 at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark, the band faced a familiar challenge: narrowing down 24 pre-production tracks to the final 12. This is where Hansen’s role became crucial—and a bit contentious. As keyboardist Santeri Kallio explained in an interview with Portugal’s Look magazine, the band’s internal debates over song selection often led to 'endless fights.' Hansen’s objective ear became the tiebreaker, ensuring the album’s cohesion while respecting each member’s creative input. But does relying on a producer to make such pivotal decisions dilute the band’s artistic control? Or is it a necessary step for a group as democratically minded—and opinionated—as Amorphis?
The results speak for themselves: Borderland has received glowing reviews, with fans and critics alike praising its straightforward yet melodic approach. Hansen’s production, as Holopainen noted, 'made everything sound a little bit more fresh,' setting it apart from 2022’s Halo. The album’s cover, designed by Dutch artist Marald Van Haasteren (known for his work with Metallica and Black Sabbath), further underscores the band’s commitment to innovation.
But here’s the question we’re left with: Is Amorphis’ shift in producers a brilliant reinvention or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments—do you think the band’s new sound honors their legacy, or are you nostalgic for the Bogren era? One thing’s for sure: Borderland is a testament to Amorphis’ fearless pursuit of growth, even if it means stirring the pot along the way.
