Insider
Insider pushes Amplifier towards a heavier, more direct guitar sound. The bass and drums give the riffs a substantial foundation, while Sel Balamir's voice tries to provide a melodic centre inside the noise. It is an energetic approach, but the record does not always find enough contrast to turn that force into memorable songs.
Gustav's Arrival establishes the weight immediately. The instrumental opening has plenty of movement and a strong sense of attack, introducing the band's dense sound without a vocal line to guide it. O Fortuna continues with hard guitar figures and active drumming. The playing is committed, although the heavy setting quickly starts to feel familiar.
The title track eases back slightly, showing an interest in a less forceful shape. The change does not go far enough to give it a fully separate character. Across several songs, the repetition of the guitar sound makes the sequence feel more uniform than the individual arrangements suggest.
Strange Seas of Thought offers a more convincing alternative. The bass has greater independence from the guitar, creating another line to follow inside the music. The space around the parts brings some welcome atmosphere, giving the track a clearer identity than another continuous wall of riffs would provide.
Procedures is another highlight. Its unusual opening and strong groove make room for a more playful approach, and the relationship between the singing and instruments feels well balanced. The band retain their weight while allowing the song to move in a different way. That flexibility makes a real difference.
Hymn of the Aten also benefits from a more distinctive melodic shape. A sitar-like guitar colour adds variety, helping the song maintain interest within the familiar heavy setting. These moments suggest a broader range than the record consistently uses.
Insider has strong performances and several enjoyable songs, but too much of it relies on similar levels of pressure. Some repeated passages would benefit from a clearer change of direction. The best material shows how effective Amplifier can be when the rhythm, melody and atmosphere receive as much attention as the size of the guitar sound.
