Ensiferum - From Afar

July 26, 2009

Reviewer: Deathstalker

Since 2007's release, Victory Songs, Finland's Ensiferum have been very busy on the tour circuit, having crossed the United States twice. This heavy dosage of the road life hasn't slowed them down in writing and recording a new album, titled From Afar. Ensiferum have always had their own sound, and during these two years between albums, I am not sure if they are starting to sound like other bands or other bands are trying to emulate their sound. While this may sound like a negative review, it is actually just an observation, as From Afar is a thoroughly enjoyable album.

After a typical Ensiferum intro featuring whistles, harps etc., which could easly have replaced Ferrum Aeternum off their sophomore album, Iron comes the title track. If you already know and like Ensiferum you will find plenty here to get into. However soon into the song some interesting additions have been added to the bands' well known sound. There are Nightwish-esque orchestra hits and classical lines being interluded throughout the song. We are also treated to a Turisas type choir a la “Miklagard Overture”. However these oddities begin to make more sense after some repeated listens and soon after become welcome.

Next is “Twilight Tavern”, which you can tell is the typical drinking song of the album. Like the song before it, it starts off in typical fashion (think “One More Magic Potion”) but soon into the song we are thrown for a loop with the entrance of near a Capella female vocals and a Hammond organ.

The proverbial monkey wrenches don't end here though. The song that will most likely make listeners scratch their heads, raise a beer or throw the disc out the window is “Stone Cold Metal”. With a title like this, one would expect a great, blistering all out aural onslaught of, well, stone cold metal. However half way through the 7 minute track we are treated to a “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” type theme, which continues on for most of the rest of the song, as opposed to a nice little break in the song. The Ennio Morricone section is complete with whistling, a solo trumpet, a saloon piano, an oboe. And banjo solo. This reviewer absolutely loved the experiment, but can understand if some metalheads just wont get it.

Before the epic closing number we are treated to a Finnish chant, which is a wonderful break from the rest of the album. It is another example of Ensiferum trying to do new things with their overall sound, which is to be expected from a band now on their 4^th studio record. This little choir piece goes into some more guttural vocals, instead of the traditional scream we are accustomed to. “The Longest Journey” incorporates some themes we have heard elsewhere on the album and it is a great way to close the adventure.

From Afar is not a perfect album however. “Heathen Throne” plods along a little too long at over 11 minutes, “Elusive Reaches” is a bit too formulaic and “Smoking Ruins”, while a nice track feels a bit too much like “The Wanderer” off Victory Songs musically and lyrically.

From Afar is a very solid album as a whole. Ensiferum may pick up new fans with their new offering by including the Nightwish and Turisas elements referenced earlier, but may lose others with their possibly gimmicky antics. However, if you are a fan of the band and Finnish metal in general, you will like this album. At times the album is Ensiferum paint by numbers, but there are just enough new ideas thrown in to keep the listener interested for more than one listen.

Release Date: September 9, 2009
Label: Spinefarm Records

TRACK LISTING

1. By The Dividing Stream
2. From Afar
3. Twilight Tavern
4. Heathen Throne 
5. Elusive Reaches 
6. Stone Cold Metal 
7. Smoking Ruins 
8. Tumman Virran Taa 
9. The Longest Journey
    (Heathen Throne Part II)

Total playing time:  45:53

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