Album Review: Ensiferum – Thalassic
Reviewed by Neil Bolton
"Thalassic" translates from Ancient Greek as “of or relating to the seas”. A theme that this album is based around. This is Ensiferum’s first themed album. It is an idea that came to mind when doing press for their last album when, in many interviews, they were asked if 'Two Paths' had a theme. It did not. But the decision was made to build the next album around a topic. Many demos were created and examined and the idea of the seashore constantly materialised; and thus a concept was settled upon.
This concept is apparent as soon as the first track begins. Seafarer’s Dream” is an instrumental piece leaving you in no doubt of the destination Ensiferum are about to take you. This is a triumphant orchestral beginning full of the atmosphere intended. The band have tried to scale back a little on the instrumentation of the opener and “Rum, Women, Victory” shows this. This the is folky metal sound Ensiferum are known and loved for, but not at all identical to their previous recordings though.
The powerful vocals reign high and the band are giving it their all. 'Andromeda' sustains the Greek theme, with the maritime motif never leaving your mind. The two vocal styles used here and throughout the album are well delivered and mix very well. Anthemic tunes that will not let the audience down in any live setting such as 'Run From The Crushing Tide' have a Maiden type crowd pleasing attitude.
The band can perform the slower sound used in 'One with the Sea' as well as the frantic pace shown in tracks like 'Midsummer Magic'. This, the last track, is a definite drinking song to be enjoyed after a successful voyage across the seas. A voyage that will have contained adventure and swashbuckling tales.
'Thalassic' was recorded and produced in Petrax and Sonic Pump studios by Janne Joutsennieme, someone they have worked with before, producing a new album which should elevate Ensiferum a little higher in the pagan, folk metal scene. The album is released via Metal Blade Records on July 10th.
