ENSIFERUM
“THALASSIC”
Album Review by Chris Palmer

9/10

Hailing from the shores of Finland comes Epic Folk Metallers Ensiferum. Formed in 1995, the band is a true powerhouse and has released seven full-length albums, with 2017’s “Two Paths” being the most recent.

Consisting of Markus Toivonen [Guitars & Backing Vocals], Sami Hinkka [Bass & Clean/Harsh Vocals], Petri Lindroos [Harsh Vocals & Guitars], Janne Parviainen [Drums & Percussion], and Pekka Montin [Keyboards & Clean Vocals], the band covers lyrical themes such as battles, fantasy, heathenism, legends and sorrow, all of which is hammered home with heavy, folk-inspired Melodic Death Metal.

In the beginning of July, the quintet released its eighth full-length album, “Thalassic”, via Metal Blade Records. Running for fifty minutes and 28 seconds, the album contains eleven chapters of epic heaviness and wide-ranging music styles, which incorporates orchestrations and traditional folk instrumentation alongside those roaring guitars, bass and drums of the band.

With “Thalassic” translating from ancient Greek as “of or relating to seas”, this album sees Ensiferum take a different route from the writing of previous releases, as it’s the first album to actually be written around a theme. With that theme being the sea, the album begins slowly with the relaxing sounds of the shore, before you’re greeted with some wonderful instrumentation, as “Seafarer’s Dream” leads you towards “Rum, Women, Victory”.

Driven by a wonderfully heavy rhythm, “Rum, Women, Victory” is a brilliant, quick-paced slab of Heavy Metal that will have you stomping around the room while banging your head in unison to the riffs. Swiftly following is the superb, guitar-led “Andromeda”, which has an intoxicating rhythm that just begs you to hit the repeat button before moving on to “The Defence of The Sampo”. This monstrous number contains a chugging rhythm that Iron Maiden would be proud of, and the chanting vocal sections are delightful. Meanwhile, “Run From The Crushing Tide” hits you like a tsunami, as pummelling riffs, pounding basslines, thunderous drums, and powerful vocals demolish everything in their path at breakneck speed.

The tempo slows a little for the beautifully melodic “For Sirens”, as that excellent combination of clean and harsh vocals lead you onwards in style. As you fly through four minutes and forty seconds, you’ll find yourself “One With The Sea”, as Pekka and Co take you on an epic, folk-inspired journey. The clean vocals are truly melodic and majestic, as they drive this heavy ballad forward together with the slow, pounding rhythm. “Midsummer Magic” sees the album change direction into a folky foot-tapper, which sparks images of celebrations, dancing, laughter, rum and beer. The world could certainly do with more of this! Another u-turn arrives with the beautiful, keyboard-led “Cold Northland (Väinämöinen Part III)”. The beauty increases as other instruments enter the fray, and the chugging rhythm will have you nodding along within seconds. With its harsh vocal attack and changes in tempo throughout, this 8.41 minute Melodic Death Metal extravaganza is a monster of epic proportions.

The edition that I received included two additional bonus tracks, which added an extra element to the musical abilities of this Finnish quintet. “Merille Lähtevä” is a quick-paced traditional folky number, while album closer “I’ll Stay By Your Side” sees Ensiferum serve up a powerful rocking declaration of love and loyalty.

Overall, “Thalassic” sees Ensiferum deliver another superb collection of Epic Folk Metal in their traditional Melodic Death Metal style. There’s not a single boring moment on this album, as each track contains elements of traditional folk, beautiful melodies, and heavy rhythms.

So far, 2020 has seen the arrival of some excellent heavy releases, and “Thalassic” could see Ensiferum riding the crest of that wave, as they edge towards the top. This is an album well worth your attention, so do yourself a favour and buy it!

TRACKLIST

Seafarer’s Dream
Rum, Women, Victory
Andromeda
The Defence of The Sampo
Run From The Crushing Tide
For Sirens
One With The Sea
Midsummer Magic
Cold Northland (Väinämöinen Part III)
Merille Lähtevä (Bonus Track)
I’ll Stay By Your Side (Bonus Track)

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

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