#16 - Top of 2012

Ensiferum - Unsung Heroes (Spinefarm Records)

Viking folk metallers Ensiferum released in 2012 one of their most epic records, in Unsung Heroes. The album starts off with the epic intro "Symbols", leading into the first awesome song of the record, "In my Sword I trust", a fast Viking metal sing-along which sets the tone for what is to follow. The eponymous track who follows brings the speed down and has a more epic feel to it with folk metal overtones. "Burning Leaves" follows with a fully blown folk tune that breaks into power intermitted by folkloric interludes. "Celestial Bond", which follows is mainly dressed in the voice of Laura Dziadulewicz, singer of Medeia and acts as an acoustic interlude to the album's frantic energy. Speedy folk is back in "Retribution Shall Be Mine", while the folky Star Queen is simply a melodic elegy. "Pohjola" is another folk song, which is more reminiscent of older Ensiferum records with a more "black" feel and an added grandiosity to it. "Last Breath" is more solemn with an acoustic vibe and acts as an intro to the final 17 minute epic "Passion Proof Power" which acts as a perfect close to the album. There is an added bonus track of a loose cover of Bamboleo which is a fun note to an otherwise cool and solemn epic folk record. An excellent effort, truly a gem for its genre.

94/100

Below is the music video for "In my Sword I Trust"