Ensiferum – Winter Storm

Elyna Kahn

Ensiferum will release its highly anticipated album Winter Storm soon! Renowned for its Melodic Death Metal sound, the band has built a successful career since forming in 1997. The 2020 album Thalassic achieved significant success, propelling Ensiferum to world tours before the pandemic ruined everything. Now, four years later, the band is back with Winter Storm, an album that promises to captivate fans with its powerful blend of Viking Folk Metal and evolved melodic elements.

Ensiferum’s return to its Folk Metal roots is evident throughout Winter Storm, while the band also builds on the vocal and melodic innovations introduced in Thalassic. Fans familiar with earlier work will find this album reminiscent of the beloved From Afar era, but with a more refined, mature sound. The balance of traditional folk influences and heightened melodic complexity ensures that the album feels both nostalgic and fresh, marking a true evolution of the band’s signature style.

The opening track, “Winter Storm Vigilantes”, immediately sets the tone for the album. Running for 5 minutes and 13 seconds, the track draws inspiration from the atmospheric and desolate imagery of Game of Thrones‘ Night’s Watch, evoking the harshness of winter and impending doom. It begins with a catchy drum roll and harmonic guitar riffs before transitioning into guttural verses and a soaring, anthemic chorus. The interplay between clean and harsh vocals is a highlight, with Pekka’s powerful high notes adding a dynamic flair reminiscent of Power Metal, while the driving rhythm quickens toward the end, creating a galloping energy that is impossible to ignore.

“Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife”, clocking in at exactly 7 minutes, is another standout. The track opens with a dramatic, tension-filled intro that contrasts beautifully with a rich orchestral arrangement, featuring flutes, violins, and cellos, which build a cold, enveloping atmosphere. The medium tempo allows the song to steadily build momentum, with anthem-like polyphonic vocal harmonies driving the pre-chorus into a more intense, fast-paced chorus. The alternating clean and guttural vocals, combined with roaring guitar riffs, create a powerful, emotionally charged experience, while the mid-tempo bridge adds a moment of melodic reflection before ramping back into the dramatic conclusion.

Overall, Winter Storm masterfully combines traditional folk elements with innovative melodic structures, demonstrating Ensiferum’s ability to evolve without losing its core identity. The album is a testament to the band’s growth over the years, delivering a sound that is rich in depth yet comfortably familiar to long-time fans. With its dynamic songwriting and superb performances, Ensiferum has crafted an album that not only satisfies its dedicated fan base but also invites new listeners into the fold. Winter Storm stands as a high point in its discography and sets a strong benchmark for Folk Metal this year.

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release date: 18 October 2024

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ensiferum

Country: Finland

Score: Again, Elyna gave no score, but I’d give it a 3.0/5.0