Interview with Sami Hinkka - Ensiferum (2012)

Infernal Masquerade: After setting the bar very high with “From Afar”, did you guys feel the pressure to create something as good and as epic?

Sami: Actually no we didn't because every album is unique and there is on point to repeat yourself. We have learned a lot from previous composing/recording sessions and wanted to take another step ahead with Unsung Heroes.

Infernal Masaquerade: Most bands seem to be putting albums out every one year or so, besides touring, what took so long between the release of “From Afar” and “Unsung Heroes”?

Sami: We did few hundred shows around the world and we are slow composers. But we also want to be able to stand behind every note of every song. We release a new album when it's ready, we don't compose to please anyone or stress about what people expect us write.

I.M: Can you tell us a bit more about the concept and ideas behind “Unsung Heroes”?

Sami: Unsung Heroes is not a concept album but many songs deal with inevitable change and fact that nothing remains the same. All lyrics were inspired by real life and it's always a great challenge to find metaphoras so that the lyrics are in Ensiferum-style.

I.M: What would you say is the biggest evolution/change between the band’s last two releases?

Sami: I think Unsung Heroes is very natural step ahead from From Afar. We learned a lot from previous sessions and you can ehar that as better arrangements and much better and clearer sound.

I.M: How do you feel the press and fans (in Europe) have received the album? Was it what the band expected?

Sami: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We were honestly a bit surprised ebcause Unsung Heroes is more challenging album than anything we have done before. We want to evolve as a band and as muscians and explore wider range of music so the next album will again include some new elements and propably tons of even crazier ideas.

 I.M: The last two releases have also closed with a 10+ minute track, is this something you guys do consciously or it just happened? Can you tell us a bit more about the epic “Passion, Proof, Power”, that nearly covers one fifth of the album’s playtime?

Sami: These things just happen it's not intentional at all. It seems the older you get the harder it gets to write short songs, haha! Same thing was with ”Passion, Proof, Power”, it wasn't ment to be so long song but it just kept growing and growing. It's pretty experimental song and we were wondering what would be the feedback and we were really surprised that majority of people seem to like it. I think it's important to push your boundries and not keep repeating yourself album after album.

I.M: Do you think that making music with Ensiferum has gotten easier overtime?

Sami: Of course the fact that we have had steady line up for years now plus we have done hundreds of shows together makes working together much easier. But like I said earlier that the urge to improve and challenge ourselves makes it harder but also interesting to find new ways to compose Ensiferum's music.

I.M: With the very crowded Folk Metal scene, what do you think keeps Ensiferum as one of the best bands in the scene?

Sami: We are one of the oldest bands in this genre and we don't follow any trends but just try to compose music that we love. And I think the honesty that has been big part of our music since the beginning is still strong within us and that reflects to our music and people can hear that.

I.M: If you had to curate a touring package for North America, which other bands will you bring with Ensiferum and why?

Sami: Iron Maiden. Simply because they are one of the most important bands for us.

I.M: Now that we are on the subject, any plans for a North American onslaught to promote “Unsung Heroes”?

Sami: Yes the plan is to tour in North America early next year. More info will follow as soon as things are confirmed.

I.M: Anything else you want to add for the people in North America that are huge fans of the bands and can’t wait for “Unsung Heroes”?

Sami: Hope you like the new album and see you all on upcoming tour! Folk on!

Read our review of "Unsung Heroes" here.

More info:

http://www.myspace.com/ensiferum

http://www.ensiferum.com/

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