macgyver
05-03-2006, 01:06 PM
Well I don't quite know where to start with this album, it would be very simple to say "go get this album now!" and leave it at that knowing you won't be dissapointed, but I will explain WHY you need to go and get this album.
Here we have yet another melodic death metal band hailing from Finland (if you have lost the spark for this overdone genre then this will reignite your flame) Taking there name from Latin meaning "Sword bearer" the quality of this album starts simply with the cover and liner notes all giving a great atmosphere immediately.
On to the music you say? Well to start with you are given a very soothing intro with acoustic guitars to set the scene for the album, from here on in it gets pretty pacey so enjoy it while you can! I dont really want to break down each and every song as there is to much to cover, put simply you will be treated to outstanding vocals ranging from death metal growls to over the top "ride into war" style choirs - if middle earth comes to my home town then I know what I will be listening to when I am riding into battle! Jari Mäenpää (Lead Vocalist and Lead Guitarist) covers all the albums vocals and handles it with ease, his voice is truely a beautiful instrument in itself, and I havent even got on to his guitar melodies.
The two guitarists here are nothing short of god-like, from pacey speed metal to rocky ballads riffs there is not a filler moment on this cd, wondering how you can squeeze so many good riffs into one album is certainly a question to ask (as well as hot solos for good measure), and for you keyboard fans here there is a little in this album, but most are purely for atmospheric value (read: no cheesey keyboards solos to be seen on this one! :) ) The rhythm section in this band is very tight also, excellent basslines and well used double kick and superb fills cover the back end of this album very well. If you find double bass drumming monotonous then worry not as it is not overly used to the death like some metal releases.
Put simply this has been one of my favourite cds for a couple of years now, and to be passionate enough to write my first review about it and still be so enthusiastic after all this time speaks for itself in my mind. I hope this might lead others to get the many many hours of enjoyment from it that I have.
Highlights to look out for - Hero in a Dream, Guardians of Fate, Treacherous Gods, Eternal Wait.
Samples.
Hero in a Dream (http://www.ensiferum.com/Downloads/Hero%20In%20A%20Dream.mp3)
Old Man (http://www.ensiferum.com/Downloads/Old%20Man.mp3)
Treacherous Gods (http://www.ensiferum.com/Downloads/Treacherous%20Gods.mp3)
Here we have yet another melodic death metal band hailing from Finland (if you have lost the spark for this overdone genre then this will reignite your flame) Taking there name from Latin meaning "Sword bearer" the quality of this album starts simply with the cover and liner notes all giving a great atmosphere immediately.
On to the music you say? Well to start with you are given a very soothing intro with acoustic guitars to set the scene for the album, from here on in it gets pretty pacey so enjoy it while you can! I dont really want to break down each and every song as there is to much to cover, put simply you will be treated to outstanding vocals ranging from death metal growls to over the top "ride into war" style choirs - if middle earth comes to my home town then I know what I will be listening to when I am riding into battle! Jari Mäenpää (Lead Vocalist and Lead Guitarist) covers all the albums vocals and handles it with ease, his voice is truely a beautiful instrument in itself, and I havent even got on to his guitar melodies.
The two guitarists here are nothing short of god-like, from pacey speed metal to rocky ballads riffs there is not a filler moment on this cd, wondering how you can squeeze so many good riffs into one album is certainly a question to ask (as well as hot solos for good measure), and for you keyboard fans here there is a little in this album, but most are purely for atmospheric value (read: no cheesey keyboards solos to be seen on this one! :) ) The rhythm section in this band is very tight also, excellent basslines and well used double kick and superb fills cover the back end of this album very well. If you find double bass drumming monotonous then worry not as it is not overly used to the death like some metal releases.
Put simply this has been one of my favourite cds for a couple of years now, and to be passionate enough to write my first review about it and still be so enthusiastic after all this time speaks for itself in my mind. I hope this might lead others to get the many many hours of enjoyment from it that I have.
Highlights to look out for - Hero in a Dream, Guardians of Fate, Treacherous Gods, Eternal Wait.
Samples.
Hero in a Dream (http://www.ensiferum.com/Downloads/Hero%20In%20A%20Dream.mp3)
Old Man (http://www.ensiferum.com/Downloads/Old%20Man.mp3)
Treacherous Gods (http://www.ensiferum.com/Downloads/Treacherous%20Gods.mp3)