ENSIFERUM, Winter Storm Review

by Nolan Conghaile

In their ninth studio album, Winter Storm, Finnish folk metal legends ENSIFERUM come roaring back after a five-year hiatus, delivering a hard-hitting, Viking-themed assault on the senses. Known for their epic melodies and thunderous rhythms, ENSIFERUM has always been at the forefront of the folk metal scene, and this album confirms their position as one of the genre’s true flag-bearers.

Hitting the metal scene in 2001 with their self-titled debut to now, ENSIFERUM has remained steadfast in their vision, creating music that evokes windswept battles and the triumph of warriors. While their recent albums, such as Two Paths (2017) and Thalassic (2020), didn’t quite pack the same punch as earlier releases like Victory Songs (2007) and From Afar (2009), Winter Storm shows a renewed vigor. It harkens back to the ferocity of their early years while incorporating the polish and refinement of their later work.

The album opens with the grandiose “Aurora,” a brief prelude that sets the stage for what’s to come. As “Winter Storm Vigilantes” kicks in, the listener is thrust into a relentless sonic journey. The track’s aggressive riffs and memorable melody immediately recall the energy of classic heavy metal but with the added power of clean and harsh vocals. The following track, “Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife,” continues this momentum, blending elements of folk and symphonic metal to create a cinematic experience that immerses the listener in the icy, battle-scarred landscapes ENSIFERUM has always painted so vividly.

The songs flow in a manner that balances the qualities of brutality with beauty. Songs like “Fatherland” and “Victorious” are as ferocious as they are melodic, with the double bass drum work of Janne Parviainen pummeling the listener while the two guitars provide power and driving rhythm that focus the aggression. “Fatherland” has an epic chorus and gang vocals, giving the song a saga-like quality that transports the listener to the heart of a Viking battle. Meanwhile, “Victorious” closes the album with a triumphant anthem, its rallying cry of “WE ARE VICTORIOUS!” leaving no doubt that ENSIFERUM has returned in full force.

While much of the album moves at breakneck speed, there are moments of respite, such as the cinematic “Scars in My Heart.” Featuring guest vocals from ELEINE’s Madeleine Liljestam, the track slows things down and adds a more introspective, haunting quality. Including the harpsichord in the intro gives the song a medieval flair, and Liljestam’s Valkyrie-like voice perfectly complements the song’s darker, more brooding atmosphere.

ENSIFERUM also flexes their progressive muscles with “From Order to Chaos,” a nearly nine-minute opus that combines all the elements of the album into one multi-sectional track. This song serves as the album’s centerpiece, showcasing each band member’s instrumental skills. Though its length may seem daunting, the song always upholds its welcome, maintaining the listener’s attention with dynamic tempo and vocal intensity shifts.

While Winter Storm may not break new ground for the band, it is a solid addition to their discography that will satisfy longtime fans and newcomers. ENSIFERUM sticks to their tried-and-true songwriting of blending folk melodies with heavy metal ferocity. Tracks like “The Howl” and “Resistentia” continue to build upon the album’s epic atmosphere, with orchestral flourishes adding a fantastical element that could easily serve as the soundtrack to a Viking saga.

One of the album’s most intriguing aspects is its connection to a fantasy novel written by bassist Sami Hinkka. The lyrics throughout Winter Storm take inspiration from this yet-to-be-released book, adding a layer of storytelling that gives the album a more cohesive, almost concept-album feel. As Hinkka’s vocals guide the listener through this musical tale, it becomes clear that the band was intent on creating a rich narrative through their music.

Ultimately, Winter Storm is an ice-cold reminder that ENSIFERUM still has the power to captivate and conquer. The album combines the best elements of their earlier work with the refined musicianship they’ve honed over the years, resulting in a well-balanced record that always feels varied and engaging. Whether you’re drawn to the bombastic Viking anthems or the melancholic folk ballads, Winter Storm offers something for every fan of the genre.