ENSIFERUM

Ensiferum, the Finnish folk metal band featuring Markus Toivonen (vocals and guitar), Petri Lindroos (vocals and guitar), Sami Hinkka (bass and vocals), Janne Parviainen (drums), and Pekka Montin (keyboard and vocals), is currently promoting their latest album, Winter Storm, a follow-up to Thalassic (2020).

With a name meaning “sword bearer”, the group was founded in 1995 and released their first demo two years later. After two more demos, the band unveiled their debut album, Ensiferum, in 2001, followed by Iron in early 2004. Over the years, Ensiferum has undergone lineup changes that have also influenced their sound. After Victory Songs (2007) and From Afar (2009), they released Unsung Heroes (2012). Though the album sparked mixed opinions due to its stronger melodic emphasis, it reaffirmed the band’s unwavering folk essence, epic elements, and connection to Scandinavian black metal.

The concept album Thalassic (2020) explores water-related events—rivers, seas, and oceans, drawing inspiration from legends, mythology, and stories passed down through generations, whether by word of mouth or written records. Its successor, Winter Storm (2024), features lyrics partially inspired by an unpublished fantasy novel by Sami Hinkka. According to him, Winter Storm is “more like a musical than a traditional album.” Regarding one of the singles, “Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife,” Hinkka adds:

“The lyrics tell the story of a member of the ‘Winter Storm Vigilantes’ who has been exiled and is on the brink of death while wandering through desolate, snow-covered lands. He is rescued and taken to a remote tavern, where he regains his strength and has a vision of his fate. The song takes the listener on a journey to another world, gradually building up to a frozen winter storm.”

Since their first visit to Brazil in 2013, much has changed for Ensiferum, but their fans’ devotion remains the same. Their loyal followers will surely be singing along with them at Bangers Open Air 2025.