Band: Ensiferum
Album: Two Paths
Release Date: 15th September 2017
Record Label: Metal Blade Records.
Releasing their seventh studio album this September, Ensiferum have shown that they are still among the top folk metal warriors out there. Soaring, singalong choruses and fast-paced guitars and accordions, along with sombre and atmospheric breakdowns, are brilliantly melded in this 11 track masterpiece.
Sandwiched between two Finnish tracks, which set up the story for the album, and finally bring you back down to Earth after a whirlwind journey of two paths of pace, this album is fast becoming one of my favourites for 2017.
Normally for an album, I find that I’m skipping tracks after the first or second play through, however here I’m just letting it play. It flows so well, and even the two tracks dominated by clean vocals from bassist Sami Hinkka which I initially wasn’t keen on grew on me quickly, and I could see how they flowed and helped bring the story of Two Paths to life.
You can tell straight away that this is an Ensiferum album, it has a familiarity about it yet is brand new and packs a punch. For me hearing familiar melodies and instrumental tones is no bad thing, if a band are good at what they are doing, they should stick to it and that is exactly what Ensiferum have done here.
Some of my personal favourite tracks are Way of the Warrior, Feast of the Valkyries and God Is Dead, which to me has a very pirate-y feel to it and a great song to jig, dance and headbang to.
I’m really looking forward to hearing these tracks live when Ensiferum make their next UK appearance!
Verdict: 8/10
Ostara Metal 