Album Review and Interview: Ensiferum

Ensiferum have a history of releasing high quality records in quick succession. However, following the release of their previous record Thalassic and extensive touring to support it, the world ground to a halt. This resulted in a long 4-year wait for the release of Winter Storm; the longest gap between records in Ensiferum's 30 year career.

Naturally, the new material for this record emerged during the Pandemic Lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. The lyrics of Winter Storm are based on part of an unpublished fantasy novel written by none other than Ensiferum's Sami Hinkka.

"The tracks "Winter Storm Vigilantes and Fatherland tell of two factions in this long tale. The Vigilantes have gained knowledge to utilize certain rare elements, and even though there was already magic in this world, with this new epiphany they have reached a completely new level. This element seems to interact with living things in a way that even the wisest men don’t completely understand. And through generations of trial and error, they have refined a skill to expose their horses to the element and managed to break the law of gravity, making their steeds fly. But they became ruthless and greedy on their quest to gain more of this element.

"A small tribe in the north keep on fighting for their land, which the Vigilantes plan to take over. These North Folks will literally fight until the last man... Other characters include a Vigilante castaway, the last shaman of the North Folk and a mysterious widow. The album ends with a great battle against the Vigilantes and the unholy alliance of the castaway and the North Folk shaman, who has transcended into a spirit wolf. Who will prevail? Will this be the final battle of the book? Time will tell… I understand that all this sounds very far out (well, it is a fantasy book), but believe me, it will be truly an epic story!"

Lindsay C of This Day In Metal had the opportunity to chat with Sami of Ensiferum about all things Winter Storm, the band and more! Check it out below:

'Aurora' begins this tale with a rousing yet melancholic instrumental of medieval style acoustic guitar and orchestration followed by pounding drums and metal guitars. Straight from the onset, an atmosphere of epic victory and storytelling complete with an almighty roar explodes from the ether with 'Winter Storm Vigilantes.' Impassioned rasping vocals and powerful cleans tear through the frantic riffs and charging blast-beats. The track gallops forth with vigour, determination and a triumphant orchestra with dramatic narration guiding you through the events of the story. 'Long Cold Winter Of Sorrow And Strife' begins with a slower, marching pace with chugging riffs and dominant orchestration. The blast-beats continue to rumble in the background as the dramatic narration continues. The victorious energy is palpable as the ravenous screams and roars lead the charge supported by the mighty, soaring cleans. As if this record didn't already have an overall motivational and rousing energy about it, enter 'Fatherland;' quite possibly the most triumphant track in the list. Gloriously jubilant, screaming with compelling energy and dynamic storytelling, this track prepares for battle as it charges forward with the force of an almighty army.

'Scars In My Heart' takes a wander into melancholy, heartbreak and despair but still retains the intensity of heavy metal. This track features the emotive and beautifully forlorn vocals of Madeleine Liljestam (Eleine) which serves as a reprieve from the muscular melodeath of the preceding tracks. Speaking of reprieves, 'Resistentia' is an interlude with haunting narration continuing the story of Winter Storm and ominous instrumentation which gently descends into a medieval-esque single guitar tone. This expertly tumbles into 'The Howl' which continues the medieval style but makes it metal. Catchy melodies and a mid-tempo pace makes this track highly addictive as it alternates between rasping screams and impassioned cleans.

'From Order To Chaos' marks the closing chapters of the record and it carries an air of finality and conclusion. Despite the fact it is a very powerful track in terms of instrumentation and further dramatic narration, the delivery is also quite emotive. 'Leniret Coram Tempestate' is a short orchestral piece which introduces the record's conclusion in opulent pomp and pageantry. 'Victorious' explodes into action as one final push on the battlefield, proclaiming that "we shall never die! We are victorious!" Ethereal synths, crushing guitars, rampant blast-beats, rousing atmosphere and galloping speed culminate in a theatrically explosive ending.

Folk-infused Melodic Death Metal at its absolute finest, Ensiferum are one of Finland's shining stars and pillars of strength for a reason. Winter Storm is full of epic grandiosity, soaring, muscular melodies and dramatically dynamic storytelling that will fully immerse you in a fantasy world of battles, magic and heroes.

Rating: 8/10
Release Date: October 18th, 2024
Released By: Metal Blade Records
FFO: Turisas, Wintersun, Brymir, Equilibrium

Track List

1. Aurora
2. Winter Storm Vigilantes
3. Long Cold Winter Of Sorrow And Strife
4. Fatherland
5. Scars In My Heart
6. Resistentia
7. The Howl
8. From Order To Chaos
9. Leniret Coram Tempestate
10. Victorious

Ensiferum are heading out on tour with Korpiklaani, Trollfest and NiNi for Folkfest Of The North. Get your tickets below:

Ensiferum Tickets