METAL GODS
Ensiferum
Title: Thalassic
Label: Metal Blade
Release Date: 17th July 2020
Since catching Ensiferum live in Durbury, Belgium in 2017 I became more than a passing fan of these Finnish Folk inspired Metallers and this their eighth opus "Thalassic" is a complete journey to please the Bands legions of fans, while not specifically being a concept Album its themes are around the sea and the stories held within. "Seafarers Dream" opens this platter up and builds into a grandiose affair as we are led into soon to be a live favorite "Rum, Women, Victory" which is the lead single, that gets you shaking your barnacles and singing into the night as this voyage of Metal discovery has you chanting the chorus almost right away, dancing on the tables and swinging from the masts as you swig your rum, devour the women and bow down to this victorious release.
Next, we delve into Greek Mythology with "Andromeda" with deathly growls Petri Lindroos and clean Vocals from Pekka Montin this turbulent tune is powerful and digs its hooks in you as the story unfolds into a storm of captivating grooves. Talking of storm "The Defence of the Sampo" has an epic feel to it and rolls across the sky as we turn to the Bands homeland with this mythological tale, that's rolling, fist-pumping delight.
The next two tracks are personal highlights on here "Running from the crushing tide" is fast furious and delirious. I love the vibes and lyrics to"For Sirens" this song works its magic as the accordion and growls and clean singing encapsulate what Enisferum is all about it is a lot slower than the others on here, but it just fills one with hope and strength, something I believe many of us need in these virus hit days!
"One with the sea" in Metal terms this could almost be a Ballad but not quite, it sails the rough seas and becomes something massive as the track progresses and the full-blown orchestrations steal your soul.
Oh I so wanna be there when the guys play "Midsummer Magic" this is going to be a partying, hell hath no fury anthem am sure, bodies will fly, and mosh pits explode without a doubt and brings a smile to this reviewers face just imaging it.
Final track "Cold Northland" sees the ivories tickled as the finale to this work of art brings "Thalssic" to a close it runs just short of nine minutes and is Folk Metal heaven, its epic and heroic and take s you on an expedition of highs and lows that makes your hair stand on end an excellent finish to possibly the best work these guys have produced so far.
Get "Thalassic" its a classic and have a Folk Metal Meltdown in Lockdown!
Review: Seb Di Gatto Score:9.5/10
Reviewed: 30/06/2020
Tracklisting:
2. Rum, Women, Victory
3. Andromeda
4. The Defence of the Sampo
5. Run from the Crushing Tide
6. For Sirens
7. One with the Sea
8. Midsummer Magic
9. Cold Northland (Väinämöinen pt. III)
Lineup
Petri Lindroos – Vocals/Guitar
Markus Toivonen – Guitar/Vocals
Sami Hinkka – Bass/Vocals
Pekka Montin – Keyboards/Vocals
Janne Parviainen – Drums
