Discovering music in the early aughts was exciting and a fun mix of the old ways and what would come to be. TV had stuff like Headbangers Ball and the internet was just begging to really blossom for streaming a la myspace. Somehow I ended up with Century Media distro mag and was exposed to a vast array of metal music, most important was all the European stuff that never really made it over here. I first listened to Ensiferum in 2005 when I was 15 and entrenched in European metal like the Göteburg scene or the folky fun stuff like Korpiklaani. I had recently gotten a new computer and with that boundless access to new music to listen to while I played Diablo 2 and Oblivion (or work booo). I heard “One More Magic Potion” somewhere and loved it, then luck shined on me when I found a used copy of Victory Songs at my local record store (RIP Independant Records). Until this point I considered Folk Metal to be a mostly goofy genre for drinking beer and partying but that album made me think about the music as a diegetic soundtrack to the fantasy-centric games and media I was consuming at the time. Thus unlocked a new way to enjoy things.
Ensiferum is a long standing band with only one founding member remaining, Markus Toivonen, but the band has stayed true to its sound origins, but with more confidence and a wonderful blend of vocal styles. 2024’s Winter Storm is a stellar entry into the catalog of Ensiferum. Epic and Melodic Folk Metal telling a story of warring factions, the discovery of magic, and flying horses! A fusion of harsh vocals, and two kinds of cleans lend a truly majestic and cinematic feel to the music. Apparently a book is in the works and I can’t be more excited for that.
The album begins with an intro track before the upbeat Winter Storm Vigilanties (video below) then a very nice melodic track before the catchy-as-hell Fatherland. The album repeats this momentum keeping the listener engaged and interested. The theming and variety in vocals are driven by a signature Ensiferum sound inviting sing-a-longs, headbanging, and dramatic marches through the woods. Ending with Victorious the album begs to be replayed and is one of my favorites from the bands catalog.
An excellent entry point to those unfamiliar with Ensiferum I recommend this album to anyone with a passing interest in epic fantasy, Folk Metal, or likes songs to sing along to. Fans of Enslaved, Sudaikra, Equilibrium, and Wintersun (founding member left to do that band) will likely enjoy this album, I know I did
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