Disco de Ensiferum: “From Afar”

There really isn't much I can say to do justice to From Afar. This is one of the band's most ambitious albums and they deliver fully, as I was not disappointed with a single track. The sound of the album sounds like Ensiferum, but mixed with somewhat of a Bal-Sagoth vibe in both the riffing and the orchestrations. Also, this album definitely takes Ensiferum's use of traditional and orchestral instruments and steps it up about 5 notches. The music on this album just sounds bigger than their pervious albums. Petri's vocals and playing have also improved, showing that the former Norther frontman is finally beginning to fill the very large shoes that Jari left behind when he departed from the band to pursue his Wintersun solo project. The album contains much experimentation, like banjo solos, vocal chanting, and more intricate song styles. Two of the tracks are even over 10 minutes long! Honestly, I feel that this album doesn't disappoint in any way... except for some of the lyrics. Those did do become bland after a little while. But since when did vikings have to be poets? Buy it now!

This is a good folk metal album, one of my favorites I'd say. However, the vinyl for it sounds worse than digital by a long shot. That's not right, obviously; handling vinyl records is interesting but the important thing is to get good sound from them like from old records. After two-three notes of the intro you can tell the difference. I recommend youtube/spotify

I have been a die hard Ensiferum fan for years. Every record to date is totally awesome and I have every note memorized to every song. I even learned how to play several of my favorites on the guitar. This record however has really grown on me. Petri Lindroos has really come into his own and gave a killer vocal performance on this record. The vocals were very powerful and brutal. The guitar riffs and melodies locked together extremely well and the music feels uplifting and epic. The use of heavy keyboards and orchestrations takes the music to the next level and makes this record sound different from previous releases. The song writing was top notch and incorperated enough variation to keep even 12:49 song Longest Journey one of my top favorites on the record. My favorite part of the record are the epic Viking choruses. I listen to the record in my car every morning singing along and headbanging to this record frequently. If you listen to it the whole way through you feel like you have been on an epic journey, slaying all of the enemies on your path and consuming their blood for power. Words cannot describe how awesome this record is. Most albums you just skip around to your favorite songs, but this one should be listened to all the way from start to finish, so you can appreciate every masterpiece on this record. Any fan of folk metal, melo death, or heavy metal in general would be wise to purchase this record and every other Ensiferum record. Support talented bands so they can keep making real music. If you don't want to paint your face in Viking war paint, grab a sword and shield, and go on an epic Viking quest of glory by the end of this record, then you need to listen to the record again, and again until you do it.

Though they are technically Finns, they play what I can only describe as Viking metal. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's how I see it.

I bought Victory Songs a few years ago, and liked it well enough. However From Afar surpasses that album.

The songs are epic and full of variety, plenty of galloping rhythms, and even some pretty mean guitar solos. Despite the harsh vocals, I am able to actually understand some of the lyrics. I haven't gone into the deeper meanings of the songs yet, but overall, they create a unique and interesting sound that is very well done.

One day, I'd like to see what these guys and girl look like without makeup!

Overall, this is a great example of epic Viking metal, with a bit of folk and traditional mixed in with some serious killer riffs. And, they are not afraid to allow a guitar solo once in a while or throw in other non-metal instruments.

Great stuff. Highly recommended.

This album lives up to the rest! It has a new, more produced sound than the previous albums. It plays out like a movie soundtrack almost. I enjoyed every single track! HAIL!