Review : ENSIFERUM – “From Afar”

Ensiferum – From Afar
released September 9th 2009 on Spinefarm Records

Rating : 5/5

Ensiferum‘s second masterpiece of the new formation (Victory Songs being their first brilliant album including Petri Lindroos) is a commanding presence amongst their discography.  This album has only proven the new singer (former Norther) as a perfect, compatable fit for the band, leading the Viking Metal industry to new peaks.

The album begins with a beautiful acoustic/flute instrumental piece that introduces a celtic/renaissance influence throughout the entire album. The title rack rolls in after.  A tale involving “Mr.Death” and the end of the world, its basis comes from a dream guitarist Sami Hinkka had after reading a philisophical book. “Twilight Tavern” brings back their fast and energetic headbanging riffs and epic battle melodies that all Viking Metal fans love. “Heathen Throne”, “The Longest Journey”, and several other tracks have prevelant death metal influence, and Petri completely rocks the vox, along with a perfect lead guitar harmonizing with his growls. I really enjoyed the long, interchanging riffs and transitions between melodies during the songs; it made the album feel complete. As hard as I try, I can’t think of anything bad to say!

FCC: OK
Tracks: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9

01. By the Dividing Storm
02. From Afar
03. Twilight Tavern
04. Heathen Throne
05. Elusive Reaches
06. Stone Cold Metal
07. Smoking Ruins
08. Tumman Virran Taa
09. The Longest Journey (Heathen Throne Part II)