Ensiferum - Unsung Heroes (2012, Ltd.Edition)

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Ensiferum - Unsung Heroes (2012, Ltd.Edition)

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It has been three years since From Afar and expectations for Ensiferum's next release were obviously very high. For me, those expectations have been met. The album was definitely different than I was expecting, but it was different in a good way. With a focus more on folk/acoustics and atmosphere, those expecting an album filled with speedy 'battle songs' will be sorely disappointed with their first couple of listens to this album. This is a fairly unique addition to Ensiferum's discography, and I'm glad the album turned out the way it did. When you listen to this album for the first time don't expect speedy metal with a constant display of riffs that will 'melt your face'. To expect what was found in From Afar will not lead to a good listening experience either. There are definitely moments that incorporate those things in this album, but it is not the main focus here.

I often see the album described as a cinematic experience, and I agree with that statement wholeheartedly. As stated earlier, the 'folk/acoustic' presence is felt a lot more here than on their previous releases. The album is more deserving of the 'folk metal' label than any other Ensiferum release yet. It is a very immersive album. Though the run time is 61 minutes, the album feels nowhere near that long when you listen to it. It grabs you and doesn't let go. I didn't want the album to end. It is very rare for an album to have me listening three times in a row back to back. The almost constant use of keyboard/orchestra and choir found in From Afar is now used a little more sparingly and subtly for most of Unsung Heroes. For the most part the instruments take center stage and the orchestra is used subtly and in the background. There are moments when the orchestra does take over though and I feel that the more subtle use throughout the rest of the album makes these moments that much better.

The use of keyboard/orchestra and choir is also used more on this album to add atmosphere and to create build ups that can easily be described as epic. There are moments when Petri's vocals do this as well. You can find an example of the build ups right from the get go with the intro 'Symbols'. Another example is found near the beginning of the very next song, 'In My Sword I Trust'. With each repetition of the main riff the backing orchestra and choir build up more and more to make the chorus an even more climactic and satisfying affair. The album features many sections like this. Petri's vocal contribution to the build up feeling is felt especially In Pohjola. The subtle use of the keyboard and the increasingly intense vocals from Petri right before the chorus at around the 2 minute mark all work together to give the chorus a driving and epic feeling. There are a variety of vocal styles on display here in this album. Be it spoken word/narration, clean singing or harsh vocals, each style features more than one variation.

Overall, this is one of 2012's best albums for me. The album came as a big surprise and It helped re-invigorate my love for Ensiferum's music. This is a unique addition to Ensiferum's discography and I believe that in time it will come to be even more widely appreciated.

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