Ensiferum – “Unsung Heroes”

Ensiferum has been galloping along since 1997, creating some of the world’s best folk metal along the way. This is not the beer drinking, polka/mosh folk metal of Korpiklaani, this is full-on traditional, fantasy-themed metal. Combining choirs, keyboards and orchestras with heavy guitars and growling vocals centered on themes of Norse Mythology, the band has created an all-around epic disc of monstrous proportions.

The slower, melodic portions of the album are terrific, especially songs like “Celestial Bond” and “Star Queen (Celestial Bond Part II)”, which are absolutely beautiful traditional folk songs complete with sweet-sounding female vocals. The heavy portions of the disc are quite good as well; “Retribution Shall Be Mine” just tears it up with chugging metal riffs that are especially powerful when sandwiched between the two previously mentioned ballads. “Celestial Bond” lulls you into a dream state and “Retribution Shall Be Mine” smacks you back into reality in the blink of an eye.

The song sequence on this album is also terrific; alternating between fast and slow tracks it builds palpably toward the disc’s final 17 minute, mammoth undertaking, “Passion Proof Power.” At the end of the day I feel that this is Ensiferum’s best effort yet and is well worth checking out.

Track Listing:

01. Symbols
02. In My Sword I Trust
03. Unsung Heroes
04. Burning Leaves
05. Celestial Bond
06. Retribution Shall Be Mine
07. Star Queen (Celestial Bond Part II)
08. Pohijola
09. Last Breath
10. Passion Proof Power

Run Time: 61:34
Release Date:

Check out the song: “In My Sword I Trust”