The last time that Ensiferum left the studio with a new album, the world promptly shut down due to the covid pandemic. The Finnish folk-metal Melodeath sensation maintained a prolific release schedule since their first demo in 1997, gradually increasing in stature until eighth album 'Thalassic' crowned their ascent in 2020. The nautical opus went on to top Finland's album chart, reaching #3 in Germany, and top ten in Switzerland, Canada and the USA. Eventually Ensiferum would take 'Thalassic' on two massive world tours and to festivals like Wacken, Hellfest, Summer Breeze and Ragnarök, but the global health hoo-hah ensured that the four-year wait for 'Winter Storm' is the longest in the band's near-30-year history.
Much of the new material emerged in the lockdown era, when Ensiferum's founding guitarist Markus Toivonen set himself the challenge of finding new ways to make music - eventually composing every song except the rousing, anthemic Fatherland, written by bassist Sami Hinkka. Even though the Helsinki quintet's infectious brand of folk-metal has always evoked atmospheres of olden times, Markus found himself unexpectedly embracing 21st century methodology: "When 'Thalassic' was done, everything looked good, almost too good to be true," remembers Markus. "Then covid hit and obviously ruined everything. I had way too much time at home, so as an old-school composer I learned to make demos with the computer for the first time ever."
The addition of singer/organist Pekka Montin's crystal-clear melodic high notes provided a tremendous boost on 'Thalassic'. But on 'Winter Storm' - a fantasy concept narrative written by Sami ("The way I see it, this album is more like a 'musical' than a traditional album," says the bassist) - Pekka's super-strong voice finds its optimal place in Ensiferum's sound. Bringing to life such grandiose, heroic material, the singer emerges as one of the greatest vocal discoveries of the decade. "That’s true," affirms Sami, "Pekka is an amazing singer and very creative musician. To be honest, he has so much potential that I feel that people have only heard a fraction of his skills so far. As a composer, it’s awesome to have bandmates who can perform everything you come up with, and they will even go further from your original ideas, on every aspect. When a band has vision and skills, then only the sky is the limit."
Undoubtedly, Pekka's potent pipes aided 'Thalassic' on its journey up album charts and multi-million streaming figures worldwide. Markus admits this level of success can create an anxiety within the band to continue outdoing themselves:"Of course an album that did well brings some sort of pressure," admits the guitarist, "but my faith in the new songs is huge, so I don't really think about it. I think 'Thalassic' was a more 'easy listening' album; 'Winter Storm' needs a few more spins for sure before all the epicness opens up."
2025 will mark 30 years of Ensiferum; gearing up for this landmark year with his creative flame still raging, how does Markus feel looking back at all that the band has achieved? "I remember when starting this, all I hoped for was to be able to do a show and maybe even get a deal and record an album," he ponders. "After we did a few shows in Finland and recorded the debut, I started to dream of playing gigs abroad. The more you get, the more you want. After nine albums and hundreds of shows around the world we are hungrier than ever! There’s always room for dreams and much more to achieve. Next thing could be supporting Iron Maiden!"
Limited light blue ice marbled vinyl pressing
*Please note - image is a mock up only, actual colours may vary on finished product*
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. Aurora
2. Winter Storm Vigilantes
3. Long Cold Winter Of Sorrow And Strife
4. Fatherland
5. Scars In My Heart
Side B:
6. Resistentia
7. The Howl
8. From Order To Chaos
9. Leniret Coram Tempestate
10. Victorious
