Although The Karelian Isthmus took its name from a historic Finnish battleground, Karelian Isthmus, its lyrics focus on Amorphis's well known epic themes from the history of Finnish warfare and religion, but drawing more from Celtic mythology rather than the later traditions of Amorphis's own native land. The epic side is sometimes broken up by the occult lyrical themes in tracks including "Pilgrimage", "Misery Path" and "Black Embrace". In recent years, songs from this album have been receiving more play during Amorphis' live performances, despite being of a different style than their later works.
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. Karelia
2. The Gathering
3. Grail's Mysteries
4. Warrior's Trial
5. Black Embrace
6. The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu
Side B:
7. The Lost Name of God
8. The Pilgrimage
9. Misery Path
10. The Sign From the North Side
11. Vulgar Necrolatry
