Ensiferum - Ensiferum
Spinefarm - 2001
By Graham Boyle
Ensiferum's self titled debut is yet another stunning effort from this young four-piece band from Finland. There seems to be an endless production line in Finland for killer melodic death metal bands, and they all seem to end up on the same label. Spinefarm already have the best melodeath band around in Children Of Bodom, but now they have some serious competition on their hands.
Although, Ensiferum's style of is quite different to their label mate's. Combining the fast song structures of power metal (Stratovarius/Rhapsody], the hooky lead guitar of traditional metal (Iron Maiden), add some serious jigging music (a la Finntroll), the sometimes-massive choir vocals of Blind Guardian and the folkmelody acoustic guitars. If that all sounds confusing, it won't be for long after you wrapped your ears around this delightful album.
The vocals can be very harsh, then at the drop of a pin are melodic and catchy. The band uses lots of folk melodies and celtic influences underneath a power of the heavy battery of guitars. The music is very Finnish, inspired by vikings of many generations ago. You can imagine this is the type of music they'd sing before going into battle. Each song is huge, catchy, heavy, fast and with some great hooks. Unlike many bands of this genre, the growling vocals are very easy to understand and before you know it you'll be singing and humming along to this!
All this plus the usual high standard production from Europe's finest label for this genre. If your into any band of the melodic death metal genre, this album is an essential purchase. 5/5
Spinefarm Records Website
Spinefarm - 2001
By Graham Boyle
Ensiferum's self titled debut is yet another stunning effort from this young four-piece band from Finland. There seems to be an endless production line in Finland for killer melodic death metal bands, and they all seem to end up on the same label. Spinefarm already have the best melodeath band around in Children Of Bodom, but now they have some serious competition on their hands.
Although, Ensiferum's style of is quite different to their label mate's. Combining the fast song structures of power metal (Stratovarius/Rhapsody], the hooky lead guitar of traditional metal (Iron Maiden), add some serious jigging music (a la Finntroll), the sometimes-massive choir vocals of Blind Guardian and the folkmelody acoustic guitars. If that all sounds confusing, it won't be for long after you wrapped your ears around this delightful album.
The vocals can be very harsh, then at the drop of a pin are melodic and catchy. The band uses lots of folk melodies and celtic influences underneath a power of the heavy battery of guitars. The music is very Finnish, inspired by vikings of many generations ago. You can imagine this is the type of music they'd sing before going into battle. Each song is huge, catchy, heavy, fast and with some great hooks. Unlike many bands of this genre, the growling vocals are very easy to understand and before you know it you'll be singing and humming along to this!
All this plus the usual high standard production from Europe's finest label for this genre. If your into any band of the melodic death metal genre, this album is an essential purchase. 5/5
Spinefarm Records Website
