What the reasons are for re-releasing an album that came out only a year ago, I’m not entirely sure; I mean, as far as I was aware this has already been easily available in the UK as far as metal releases go, but nevertheless it’s not something I’m about to complain about. This UK edition of Victory Songs comes out just as they hit the British shores for Paganfest (so make sure you have plenty of spending money ready for those merch tables) and it also comes with a bonus disc containing the Dragonheads E.P. My guess is that this may well come packaged in a glossy digi-pak cover for added collectable appeal, although I can’t see many long time fans rushing out to trade in their existing copies.
Anyone that’s had a previous encounter with this band will have a rough idea what they’re going to get, and this album certainly does not disappoint. After a couple of spins I find myself wanting to sing along with the clean vocal melodies provided by Markus Toivonen, which are especially noteable on ‘Deathbringer from the Sky’ as his voice sweeps up into a higher register that has me drawing a comparison to Mats Leven, adding light to the shade created by the harsh tones of Petri Lindoos. Tracks like this and ‘The New Dawn’ are driven along by crunchy guitar riffs, vigorous drum beats and a formidable bassline that coalesce to create a powerful force that rolls along with an almighty swagger and with intense speed.
A saccharine flute melody chirps away leading into the enchanting tale of ‘One More Magic Potion’, which will have you spilling your pint of the devils beverage as you succumb to the playful, dance-rousing sounds of this beguiling drinking song. As we arrive at ‘Wanderer’ the formula distorts taking on more of a traditional metal vibe as a plodding guitar note repetition gives a ‘Warriors of the World’ feel to the verse, while the clean vocals take particular precedence working up to a vastly melodious chorus line. This is the closest thing you’ll find to a ballad on this album, as a scene sets in my mind of the warm glow of the distant setting sun saturates the landscape as a Viking wanders on alone in search of adventure. Beginning with a gentle classical intro, ‘Raised by the sword’ sees a stark contrast in sounds as moments of serenity suddenly descend into harsh musical backdrops for epic battle; battle cries are emitted over the sharp guitars and fierce drum blasts while a gentle violin transiently passes through. The album comes to an end with the grandiose title track which wanders through tranquil folk melodies and acoustic passages progressing into storming metal blasts topped off with soaring vocal lines filled with a quixotic air of triumph.
If ‘Victory Songs’ hasn’t finished you off completely and you’re ready for another round in the field of battle then the bonus disc will quench your thirst for war for another 25 minutes or so. Originally released in 2006, Dragonheads eased in a new line-up for Ensiferum at the time while lessening the wait between the release of ‘Iron’ in 2004 and ‘Victory Songs’ in 2007. Early demo tracks ‘Warriors Quest’ and ‘White Storm’ have been re-recorded and smoothed over by pro-engineer Nino Laurenne, a rather excellent cover of Amorphis track ‘Into Hiding’ is a particular highlight and the fatal strike comes in the guise of a medley of traditional Finnish folk songs.
This is essential listening for any fan of battle metal with each track as much of a crushing blow as the last. If you don’t already own a copy then make sure you pick one up at Paganfest.
http://www.ensiferum.com
www.myspace.com/officialensiferum
http://www.spinefarmrecords.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/spinefarmrecordsuk
