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Enisferum: From Afar

Melodic Folk/Death Metal

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Spinefarm Records
www.ensiferum.com
www.myspace.com/officialensiferum
Review: Craig Hartranft,  09.07.2009

One of the great things that happened to heavy metal over the last 25 years or so was the integration of folk or ethnic influences into the song composition. Whether using original languages, telling historical or folk tales, or integrating traditional instruments, this 'folk' metal has been an authentic evolution for the good in the genre. Generally, most of this developed in Scandinavia where bands from traditional metal to black and death metal have explored their history, particularly their pagan, pre-Christian roots. Of the many bands practicing, one of the best is Finland's Enisferum. Their latest and fourth work, From Afar is more than a representative of the genre. It's definitive and compelling, and probably Enisferum's best work to date.

Enisferum's From Afar works so well simply because it's musically more accessible than anything they've done in the past. Enisferum has bumped up the melody, added a significant degree bombastic symphonicity, and trumped earlier works with greater vocal arrangements and use of traditional instruments and melodies. That sentence was a mouthful, but tells the tale of From Afar. This work begins with pure folk flavor of the opening instrumental, By The Dividing Stream. But the development of the album is more convincing on Smoking Ruins or From Afar, and purely profound and sweeping on the epic pieces Heathen Throne and its second part, The Longest Journey. Enisferum deftly moves between elements of traditional metal, power metal, and folk metal with uncompromising skill.

Enisferum's From Afar is an epic work of folk metal done by one of the best in the field. Both powerful and melodic From Afar keeps you enthusiastic and entertained during the entire journey. Very recommended!

Enisferum's From Afar is an epic work of folk metal done by one of the best in the field. Both powerful and melodic From Afar keeps you enthusiastic and entertained during the entire journey.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]