The Gothenburg Poject 01.23.09: Ensiferum (Part 2)
Posted by Matt Shoemaker on 01.23.2009
This week, we take a look at the last album by Finnish viking/folk metal band Ensiferum, as well as some pretty killer videos for some pretty killer songs.
Hey all, and once again welcome to The Gothenburg Project. I'm running a bit short on time this week, as my original draft for this column was lost this afternoon after a stupid computer problem that could have easily been avoided, and now I have to do the whole thing over again.
Since I'm hard pressed for time, I'm just going to be covering Ensiferum's latest studio release, and ignore their EP, Dragonheads. Let's do this.
Like I mentioned at the end of the last column, Jari Maenpaa left the band after the release of Iron, to be replaced by Norther frontman Petri Lindroos, who, in my opinion, has made this sound even better than they did before. Granted, he hasn't had much work with the band, but from the live videos, and the studio work he's done, I'd say he's surpassed Maenpaa in most every category. In 2007, the band released their first full length LP with Lindroos.
Victory Songs
Album Info
Recorded: November, 2006 Released: April 20, 2007 (US), March 23, 2007 (Finland), Spinefarm Records Produced By:: Janne Joutsenniemi
Track Listing
1. "Ad Victoriam" 3:10
2. "Blood is the Price of Glory" 5:17
3. "Deathbringer from the Sky" 5:10
4. "Ahti" 3:55
5. "One More Magic Potion" 5:22
6. "Wanderer" 6:32
7. "Raised by the Sword" 6:10
8. "The New Dawn" 3:42
9. "Victory Song" 10:38
10. "Lady in Black" 4:34 (Uriah Heep cover)
This album currently sits in the middle of a love/hate relationship for me. The first half of the album is some of the best metal you're going to find anywhere. The second half, even though it's really only the last four songs, are, for the most part, unimpressive. "Victory Song" is a mild exception to that rule, as it works in the long run for what it is, a long, melodic folk song. The other few tracks really just don't impress me that much.
Let's work with the good, though. The intro, once again, is amazing. Another Braveheart-esque melody with an amazing crescendo. As soon as it ends, mayhem breaks loose in "Blood is the Price of Glory", which features amazing double bass work, a catchy melody, and powerful vocals. After the slightly above average "Deathbringer from the Sky", the album hits it's best streak. "Ahti", a song about an ancient Finnish lake god, is another example of great speed mixed with an awesome melody, and the chorus is incredible.
Under the waves of a blue lake
Dwells the mighty Ahti!
Sailors praise the glorious name
The ruler of tides; Ahti!
Lindroos shows off his powerful screams, as well, belting out a couple of impressive ones over the instrumental sections of the song. The folk melody after the second chorus is absolutel epic.
After that, we come to my favorite track of the album, "One More Magic Potion". If anyone read the 411 Top 5 two weeks ago, about the drugs/alcohol songs, this was my top pick. It works on various levels. A folk song, a brutal heavy metal song, and as a drinking song are all present here. Like I said then, the song title is a metaphor for beer, and tells the story of Vikings in the forest, who come upon the house of an old woman, who lets them in and brings them beer. Lots of beer.
She filled our pints with the devils beverage.
And served another round with a hideous grin.
The world was spinning in a new light I saw,
everything and everyone was singing this song!
The intro to this song, as well as the heavier part leading up to the verse, is one of the catchiest melodies I've heard in a long time. The chorus seems to stretch the limits of aggression, as the band seems to go into full force whenever it comes around.
Following that is "Wanderer", which features the vocals of both Toivonen and Hinkka. The song is entirely in clean vocals, with Lindroos opting to just sit back and play the guitar. Again, this is another story song, telling the tale of mighty warrior travelling the earth.
The reason that the last few songs of the album don't sit well with me is that it seems like the band stopped trying after the first bevy of songs. Everything seems like they are either relying on their old sound to get by, which, after the first section, does not cut it at all, or that they're simply just not trying. This is still an incredible album, as the first six songs carry it entirely. Definitely check this album out whenever you get the chance.
"Wanderer" Live, Wacken 08
"Ahti" Live, Wacken 08
"One More Magic Potion"
I want to apologize to any readers I may have for such a short column, but I promise next week will be pretty killer, because next week begins my look at Viking metal pioneers, Amon Amarth. Till next time, take care.
