Ensiferum - Winter Storm (2024)

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Reigning kings of Epic Folk Metal, Ensiferum, mark their return with “Winter Storm”, a ten track release filled with the band’s signature high-octane music perfectly blanched with folk elements and soaring vocal melodies. As anybody could expect, this release delivers 45 minutes of some of the finest music the band has ever produced. The band has been improving their style over nearly three decades and they are getting darn near perfection.

After setting the mood with an instrumental opener, “Winter Storm Vigilantes” quickly jumps at the listener with the band’s signature catchiness, and Petri’s harsh vocals. This track is quite lively, immediately shifting the mood into all-out-battle mode. The band’s use of multiple vocalists, both on cleans and harsh vocals, allows the tracks to be more dynamic and have some extra depth, keeping things fresh and exciting, like on the magical “Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife”, and the playful “Fatherland” and its folky passages.

Shining bright in a sea of very solid tracks, “Scars in My Heart” has a lovely power-ballad structure, featuring Madeleine Liljestam of Eleine on female vocals, masterfully giving an even extra dimension of the band’s sound. However, it is more epic songs like “The Howl” and “From Order to Chaos” that gives Ensiferum its edge as they incorporated the folk elements with catchy guitar riffs, soaring vocal arrangements, and festive tempos, creating that regal sound that is a signature from the band.

Closing with the Sabaton-esque “Victorious”, Ensiferum is definitely back and ready to take the stage with an even more impressive catalog of music. We can’t wait for the band to tour North America in 2025 with Korpiklaani, Trollfest, NiNi, but for now we have to settle with this epic release and its high replay value. If you are a fan of the band or the genre, “Winter Storm” is definitely a worthy addition to your collection.

Band: Ensiferum Album: Winter Storm

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release: October 18th, 2024

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Genre: Epic Folk Metal

Country: Finland

Rating: 96/100
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