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ALBUM REVIEW
- Ensiferum - From Afar
- Spinefarm
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- It could easily be argued that
Finland’s premier epic-heroic metallers Ensiferum packed such a powerful Viking punch
with 2007’s “Victory Songs” that they cemented Petri Lindroos as
their vocalist of choice and obliterated all opposition in one fell swoop. A lesser band
would be tempted to rest on its laurels after such a vanquishing, but with fans’
continued veneration of their earliest albums no doubt tickling away at the back of their
minds Ensiferum have pulled out all the stops once more, seeking to out-do themselves on
nearly every front.
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- As ever, an instrumental opener, this
time resplendent with clean guitars and folkish intent, sets out a powerful melodic theme
which blossoms irresistibly into a landslide of catchy, crunchy, athletic epic metal,
clear-toned, triumphant and punchy when the second track rolls around. “Twilight
Tavern” sees the band in classic territory, possessed of lively guitar runs and
bursting out with a story to tell, whilst “Heathen Throne” is strongly
characterised by the main development of “From Afar”, which is the
evolution of the synth element to truly massive, film score proportions. This track
maintains interest levels through an impressive length, and shows that Ensiferum have not
abandoned their folk elements with a pretty, sparking woodwind break, although it’s
not without teeth, as a Bodom-like stomp and a classy solo demonstrate.
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- If the album takes a little bit
longer to sink into the brain than its predecessor, it makes up for it with some tracks of
outstanding quality, namely “Stone Cold Metal” and “Tumman Virran
Taa”. The former begins as very familiar Ensiferum material, with awesome
warrior-gang vocals forming a memorable, shout-a-long chorus and crowd-pleasing riffs, but
morphs into something oddly amazing by taking a ridiculous but utterly compelling
spaghetti Western turn which must be heard to be believed. The latter brings some
Finnish-language authenticity to proceedings, and has the same stirring, semi-classical
magic as the closing track from “Victory Songs”, with mighty horns and a
splash of prideful, excellent drama in the chorus.
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- In common with much of
Ensiferum’s fanbase, I have a habit of listening to their latest offering until the
disc wears thin and then declaring it my favourite, and while “From Afar”
hasn’t had enough air-time yet, the undeniable quality of the band’s most recent
battle hymns means they will no doubt shortly take their place at the forefront of my
affections. Seemingly unable to put a foot wrong, within their rampaging, addictive style
Ensiferum can be as ambitious as they please and still come up with some incredible goods.
- 90/100
- Ellen Simpson
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- www.myspace.com/ensiferum
- www.ensiferum.com
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