Ensiferum – Winter Storm
Review by: Freya Ødegård
Review Score: 8.5
Ensiferum is a band that defines epic, blending folk melodies with the aggression of melodic death metal. Hailing from Finland, they’ve been crafting their unique sound since 1995. The name “Ensiferum” means “Sword Bearer” in Latin, which fits their music’s warrior spirit. Their early demos and self-titled debut album (2001) caught the attention of fans seeking something beyond typical metal—folk instruments, battle chants, and ripping guitar riffs.The band’s lineup has shifted over the years, but founding guitarist Markus Toivonen has stayed the driving force behind their sound. Albums like Iron (2004) and Victory Songs (2007) solidified their place in the metal world, with tracks that make you want to raise a sword and charge into battle. By the time Thalassic dropped in 2020, they were at the top of their game, fusing history, myth, and melody into something truly epic. They’re not just a band—they’re a saga.
Ensiferum’s latest album, Winter Storm, arrives four years after Thalassic, marking the longest break in the Finnish folk-metal band’s history. Much of the material was born during lockdown, as guitarist Markus Toivonen embraced digital composing for the first time. The new album’s grand, epic tone reflects the frustration of the pandemic, pushing the band into more adventurous territory. Winter Storm also highlights the soaring vocals of Pekka Montin, whose voice fits perfectly into the heroic concept created by bassist Sami Hinkka, based on his unpublished fantasy book. The album tells the story of Vigilantes with flying horses and a fierce Northern tribe fighting to defend their land. Despite Thalassic’s success, Ensiferum remains ambitious, already working on their tenth album, aiming to keep pushing their sound further with no limits in sight.
Ensiferum’s Winter Storm: A Tempest of Melodic Might
Ensiferum’s Winter Storm is an absolute force of nature. From the first riff, you’re caught in a whirlwind of blistering guitars and epic, folk-laden melodies that make you want to grab a sword and join the battle. These Finns have done it again, cementing their spot as kings of folk metal. The way they fuse aggressive riffs with those soaring, almost haunting melodies, all tied together with traditional Finnish folk vibes, just hits different. This album isn’t just music—it’s a storm you ride through, and you come out the other side wanting more.
Epic Melodies: Winter Storm is packed with those unforgettable melodies that stick with you long after the album’s over, like a tune you can’t shake off. Ensiferum nails it with their talent for crafting anthemic choruses and riffs that just bury themselves in your brain. Take “Fatherland,” for example—it’s the perfect blend of what I love about this band. You get those thrashy, hard-hitting riffs, but then they layer in some epic orchestration, and it just hits on every level. And then there’s “Long Cold Winter Of Sorrow And Strife”—that track delivers a killer mix of heavy riffs and these beautiful classical sections that give it this haunting atmosphere. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a freezing battlefield, but with a grin on your face.
Folk Influences: Traditional Finnish folk instruments, such as the kantele and nyckelharpa, add a unique and authentic flavor to the music. These elements seamlessly integrate with the heavier metal elements, creating a harmonious blend.
Powerful Vocals: The dual vocals from Pekka Montin and Sami Hinkka are seriously impressive on Winter Storm. Montin’s clean, soaring vocals give that epic, uplifting vibe, while Hinkka’s aggressive growls bring all the raw energy and grit. The balance between them adds so much depth and emotion to the whole album—it’s like a push and pull that keeps you hooked. And then you’ve got Madeleine Liljestam from Eleine stepping in on “Scars In My Heart,” and wow, her operatic vocals just take it to a whole new level. It’s powerful, haunting, and exactly the kind of performance that leaves a mark.
Strong Songwriting: Winter Storm is stacked with a killer lineup of songs that really show off Ensiferum’s songwriting chops. Every track has its own vibe, but together they form a tight, cohesive album that just flows. “From Order To Chaos” is an absolute beast at over 8 minutes, and it’s easily one of my personal favorites—it’s got that perfect blend of chaos and melody. Then there’s “The Howl,” which just rips from start to finish. But they totally saved the best for last with “Victorious.” That closer is a fast and furious battle anthem that leaves you wanting to charge into war. It’s hands down my top pick from the album.
Overall Impression:
Ensiferum’s Winter Storm shows off their talent for crafting epic, unforgettable music, making this one stand out in their entire discography. If you’re after a metal album that’s both powerful and uplifting, this is the one. You’ll finish it and immediately want to dive back in for another round. Definitely worth giving a listen.