| CD REVIEW Ensiferum |
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Band: Ensiferum The history of Ensiferum goes back to 1995, when Markus Toivonen wanted to create melodic and folkish Metal in a typical Finish tradition. It took several years before having a steady line-up, and 2000 saw the light of the self-titled debut studio release. Throughout the years, Ensiferum more or less developed an own sound, combining fast and rhythmic Metal with hymnic and traditional elements. The same goes for this newest epos, which lasts for 56:43 minutes. From Afar is a new step within Ensiferum’s catalogue. Of course the album is filled with epic songs, maintaining the glory from the old days, flavoured with a battle-lusting atmosphere and Folk elements. Traditional instruments (including banjo, Hammond organ and shaman drum), harmonious choirs and female vocals, typical Suomi-melodies, symphonic arrangements, it’s all part of the deal. Predictable to some, victorious to others… The band (Markus-g, bv, Petri Lindroos-v, g, Janne Parviainen-d, Sami Hinkka-b, bv, and Emmi Silvennoinen-k, bv) does introduce some own elements, but overall most thinkable clichés have been used to colour up the whole. The same goes for the tempo-changes (too minitiously clean) and the evident introduction of acoustic pieces and semi-emotional elements. But the average quality is acceptable, that’s a certainty. Yet again I guess this album will only be appreciated by those who are obsessed by Finnish-sounding Battle / Folk Metal in general. One of the band’s best efforts, but unnecessary nowadays because of the overload on same-sounding releases… 75/100 Ivan Tibos. |