Ensiferum – Victory Songs
Candlelight USA – CDL353 – April 24, 2007
By Wayward_Son
Ensiferum’s debut is one of those super fun, mindless albums that play its part every so often when the speed, brutality, or oppressiveness of other genres is just too much to bear. It has purpose. Of course, it helps that the album is chock full of great songs that allow the listener to either pay full attention or let the album become solid background music. For this writer, Ensiferum is the perfect guilty pleasure.
After Iron was released, Ensiferum lost this writer, as it was not nearly as interesting. The intro track was the best thing on the album. Then came the departure of the vocalist, who went on to form the tremendously mediocre Wintersun. To replace him, the band hired the vocalist from fellow Finnish band, Norther. Now, apparently there is only one original member remaining in the band. Naturally, this writer was not too excited to hear Victory Songs, nor was much expected.
Victory Songs opens with a beautiful piece of music that does not last near long enough. However, once the first song begins it is obvious the new vocalist is no match for his predecessor. The type of music does not fit well with his razor-throated delivery, though the cleanly sung chants and choruses are still of top quality. The music is still ultra fast paced for the most part, with folk instrument breaks and interludes. In short, it sounds just like you would expect Ensiferum to sound. There are no surprises to be found. The band has found a formula and is apparently content to stay within their comfort zone. That is not to say Victory Songs is garbage. ‘Wanderer’ is a great track, with a nice folk opening, and a fist-pumping chorus. The closer, ‘Victory Song’ is another highlight.
Now the question is if you, Faithful Reader, are willing to accept more of the same from Ensiferum. If music that challenges neither the artist nor listener is your preference, then Victory Songs is for you. Or if the bombastic, power metal influenced sounds of the Finnish Metal Hoard of Turisas, Finntroll, Moonsorrow, Wintersun, and Children of Bodom is your brand of metal, then you might have found your album of the year.
As for this writer, Victory Songs will be forgotten like so many releases from bands that have done better. But hey, at least the intro was interesting.
Official Ensiferum Website
Official Candlelight Records USA Website
Candlelight USA – CDL353 – April 24, 2007
By Wayward_Son
Ensiferum’s debut is one of those super fun, mindless albums that play its part every so often when the speed, brutality, or oppressiveness of other genres is just too much to bear. It has purpose. Of course, it helps that the album is chock full of great songs that allow the listener to either pay full attention or let the album become solid background music. For this writer, Ensiferum is the perfect guilty pleasure.
After Iron was released, Ensiferum lost this writer, as it was not nearly as interesting. The intro track was the best thing on the album. Then came the departure of the vocalist, who went on to form the tremendously mediocre Wintersun. To replace him, the band hired the vocalist from fellow Finnish band, Norther. Now, apparently there is only one original member remaining in the band. Naturally, this writer was not too excited to hear Victory Songs, nor was much expected.
Victory Songs opens with a beautiful piece of music that does not last near long enough. However, once the first song begins it is obvious the new vocalist is no match for his predecessor. The type of music does not fit well with his razor-throated delivery, though the cleanly sung chants and choruses are still of top quality. The music is still ultra fast paced for the most part, with folk instrument breaks and interludes. In short, it sounds just like you would expect Ensiferum to sound. There are no surprises to be found. The band has found a formula and is apparently content to stay within their comfort zone. That is not to say Victory Songs is garbage. ‘Wanderer’ is a great track, with a nice folk opening, and a fist-pumping chorus. The closer, ‘Victory Song’ is another highlight.
Now the question is if you, Faithful Reader, are willing to accept more of the same from Ensiferum. If music that challenges neither the artist nor listener is your preference, then Victory Songs is for you. Or if the bombastic, power metal influenced sounds of the Finnish Metal Hoard of Turisas, Finntroll, Moonsorrow, Wintersun, and Children of Bodom is your brand of metal, then you might have found your album of the year.
As for this writer, Victory Songs will be forgotten like so many releases from bands that have done better. But hey, at least the intro was interesting.
Official Ensiferum Website
Official Candlelight Records USA Website
