As a co-founder of Finnish progressive band Amorphis, lead guitarist Esa Holopainen has played on every album spanning the band’s 31-year career. That fact is even more impressive considering Amorphis has never taken a hiatus of any sort. Unless, of course, you count the Covid-19 pandemic.
But while the global shutdown forced the cancellation of Amorphis’ planned Alamo City visit to the Rock Box last October, it also afforded the 48-year-old Holopainen the opportunity to work on his first solo album. And for those who think it would be an all-instrumental affair, well, think again.
Holopainen’s self-titled debut, Silver Lake by Esa Holopainen, drops May 28 via Nuclear Blast Records. The record features nine tunes, eight of which are sung by a combined seven guest vocalists. Click the link in bold to see who they are, and witness a pair of them in action with Holopainen via the new videos below.
Then click the video box at the bottom to watch our exclusive interview from today.
