Ensiferum – One Man Army

Releasedate: 20-02-2015; Label: Metal Blade Records Europe
By: Basak Günel

When it comes to viking/folk metal, Ensiferum needs no introduction. These melodic folk metallers have been active since 1995 and they are back with a brand new album “One Man Army”! Especially after the release of “Unsung Heroes” (2012), which was either loved or hated by the fans, this record raised a lot of expectations.

“One Man Army” is a record that will make you get addicted to it from the beginning. From the intro “March of War”, the record is a clear indication of an improved and much more dynamic sound and it is indeed so. Throughout the album, the listener will experience fast and technical drums combined with that authentic Ensiferum orchestrations and melodies. It’s also worth mentioning that this is not a ‘typical’ Ensiferum album. As a matter of fact, what makes this record really colorful is the diversity in each song, which is surely entertaining and unique. The album generally also has a “let’s headbang”- vibe, which I love!

Musically,there are some highlights/elements featured in this diverse aspect of the album, such as the choirs or the featured female vocals. Surely, the band has used these elements in the previous records but this time, these elements have been blended in quite well with that original Ensiferum sound. Songs like “Heathen Horde” and “One Man Army” show us how choirs should be featured in a metal album. On the other hand,with adding female vocals to songs like “Burden of the Fallen” or “Cry for the Earth Bounds”, the band has managed to take this to the next level; female vocals fit perfectly to the album and it feels more like a part of the band rather than just a little surprise.

Speaking of surprises, I especially loved the end of the album, which felt more like a ‘plot twist’. As a fan of the band, I always loved the Finnish songs of them and “Neito Pohjolan”, sung by Netta Skog (ex-TURISAS) definitely entertained and surprised me. That’s not it though; the 4 bonus songs are even more surprising but I won’t spoil it.

“One Man Army” is probably one of the best releases of 2015. Great production, diverse and authentic songs with a lot of twists and surprises… What more can a metalhead want? This record will make you laugh, headbang and dance!

Line up:
Petri Lindroos – vocals / guitar
Markus Toivonen – guitar / vocals
Sami Hinkka – bass / vocals
Janne Parviainen – drums
Emmi Silvennoinen – keyboards / backing vocals

Links:
Ensiferum Facebook
Ensiferum Official