| Ensiferum Spinefarm , 2001 Tyrant: Ensiferum could best be described as In Flames playing Viking metal. Melodic riffs drive the majority of the sound with folky bass riffs bouncing underneath. Folky musical passages enter the fray as flitting interludes to extended passages, with acoustic guitars, synth, and kanteles. The heroic lyrics are superbly written and surely amonst some of the best in the viking metal field adding a bit more to the fantasy side of the genre. Jari Maenpaa's vocals switch between an agressive blackmetal rasp through to chanted choirs and superb bathory/powermetal esque clean vocals. The rocky uptempo riffing is certainly an interesting combination with Viking themes and occasionally sound a little out of place alongside the lyrical path, but Ensiferum soon reel them back in check with some more traditional Mithotyn style dirge folk riffing. Towards the end of the album things are tending to sound a little bit familiar (as is the problem with most melodic death bands) and the folkish themes get a little repetitive (after all there are only so many ways folk style music can be played to remain true). Overall a solid release from a hopeful upstart in the world of Melodic Viking metal. Favourite Tracks - Abandoned ; Treacherous Gods ; Little Dreamer Mark - 8/10 Ensiferum �Iron� Spinefarm, 2004 Tyrant: Finnish melodic viking metallers Ensiferum�s second album displays fewer tracks than its predecessor in favor of more focused album and song structuring. Folky keyboards combine with strong melodic metal riffs and Jari Maenpaa�s alternating clean heroic/blackmetal rasping vocals to create vivid and epic tales of Nordic warriors and lands. The folky musical intro 'Ferum Aeternum' starts the album in fine ( somewhat Clint Eastwood ) style with a soothing cheesy build up fearuing mandolin and kanteles. Album highlights include the awesome 'Tale Of Revenge' with catchy vocals and killer riffs making it the best Ensiferum track since 'Abandoned' and the folkier 'Lai Lai Hei' which features some great clean vocals. Some female vocals crop up in album closer �Tears� adding a nice folky touch, and a good cover of Metallica�s �Battery� awaits those who score the digipak version. Thrashier elements emerge in the track 'Slayer Of Light' adding a harder touch and rounding out a quality and balanced album. If you either enjoyed or had an few problems with the first album then you should check this one out because its better in some ways. Favourite Tracks � Tale Of Revenge ; Lai Lai Hei ; Sword Chant Mark � 8/10 Ensiferum 'Dragonheads' Spinefarm, 2006 Tyrant: New vocalist Petri Lindroos ( Norther ) has stepped into the departing shoes of Jari Maenpaa and whilst not quite as good he is a more than adequate replacement. Dragonheads features 6 tracks the first 'Dragonheads' is the ep highlight for me a slow folky viking inspired track with intermitant clean/harsh vocals much like the bands previous material. The second track 'Warrior's Quest' is a rerecored demo track and sounds like it could have come off of the band first album with folky guitar melodies and catchy synth and vocals. 'Kalevala Melody' is a folk inspired musical similar to Iron's 'Ferrum Aeternum', whilst 'White Storm' is another rerecorded demo track with a more extreme sound, faster drumming, ripping guitar work and a folky center section with clean vocals. 'Into Hiding' is an Amorphis cover and since I haven't heard the original version I can't comment on the tracks authenticity but with Egyptian scaled guitar work and deathly growled vocals it appears a little out of place here. The closer 'Finnish Medley' is just that, a medly of three tradtional Finnish folk songs and sounds pretty good if not a little patchy. Overall I'm glad to say that Ensiferum are still an interesting and worthwhile prospect after the departure of frontman Jari Maenpaa. Favourite Tracks - Dragonheads ; Warrior's Quest ; White Storm Mark - 8/10 |
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