Ensiferum - Unsung Heroes

I have never really gotten into this Finnish folk/speed stuff. I have found most of it quite cheesy and any of the bands I found to be really good ended up going awful after a few albums. The only band I have made any exception for is Ensiferum. I have never found them to be as cheesy, much more atmosphere and enjoyable melodies than the rest of the clan. The new album, 'Unsung Heroes' is a bit of a change and I think their best album yet.

What I like first and foremost is how they have dropped the pace a lot. The melodies have more space to breathe and be really felt. Riffs in general catch on more and the synths appear more evident which means the atmosphere is felt. The speed from the first albums was just getting too much and I really couldn't take it all in at once. Things feel more controlled here, more mature. The lead work on songs like 'Burning Leaves' and 'Unsung Heroes' for example can be grasped rather than missed. Overall, it feels more powerful and emotive.

The chanted lyrics, choirs, the singing, even the harsh vocals all have more feel and stand out because of this slower pace. The way they transition too is so much more effective because of this. Would a song like 'Unsung Heroes' or 'Burning Leaves' really feel as epic if it was in the speed vein? I don't think so. The acoustic passages (or songs like 'Celestial Bond', 'Last Breath') and solos now have a chance to be embraced and admired with the way they break out or blend into the songs.

Speed still exists in 'Retribution Shall Be Mine' but I have heard this all before from them. I still feel the cheese too in a bit of the chants but it is not as in your face this time around. The harsh vocals sound a bit weak as well, perhaps the only weak element I am picking up here. These are very minor gripes though.

Perhaps after the victorious and epic battles of the first four albums and the celebrations with wild partying, beer sculling and dancing, 'Unsung Heroes' is the moment when by dusk you have become tired, you put down your shield and sword and sit on the front porch of your home that sits on top of a hill that overlooks the city. You sit there with great pride as you look over the city that now stands safe and tall after you helped fought to defend it and its country in a great battle. The progressive 'Passion, Proof, Power' may best represent that feeling.

In the end, a change in direction but for the better. Had this been like the previous albums, it would have gone in one ear and out the other. Surprised and very impressed. Instead of similar bands who changed direction for worse, Ensiferum has dropped the twiddle and fiddle and come of age. Triumphant and epic. A glorious effort.

Ikil

Witchcraft - Legend

A lot can happen in five years.. well.. at least that is something you can say for Witchcraft. Three line up changes, other bands of similar style and from the same country come along and appear to be grabbing big attention while Witchcraft has remained quiet since 'The Alchemist'. Now they return with 'Legend' and have even changed their sound.

After what seemed like being locked in a 60s and 70s time capsule, Witchcraft now sounds like they have been introduced to the modern world. Clearer production, more verse/chorus structured songs, much catchier as well. It has probably left many a fan scratching their heads. It did for me at first, but the more I listen, the more this is growing on me. Magnus and co have crafted a very good rock album here and have still done enough to distance it from becoming completely mainstream.

Witchcraft seemed to be getting more psychedelic with 'The Alchemist'. On 'Legend', I am feeling a bit more of a 'progressive' touch the way some of these songs build up or change considering majority of the songs average around the four to five minute mark. Maybe it is the way variation plays a consistent part in these songs, changing from melodies to hard hitting stoner rock riffs that catch you off guard. Also the shifts in tempos, the changing drum patterns, soft to heavy sides and even a solo or seething lead for extra measure. I can provide examples but in all seriousness, every song showcases some or all of these elements and also has those 'moments'. It is perhaps more a case of which songs you enjoy most. At least for me? I am enjoying them all. But take note of the epic feel of 'Dead End', the hypnotic side of 'Dystopia', the pacing 'Deconstruction' for just some mentions.

Magnus does an awesome job with his vocals here too. I really like that rich sound in his voice, and he can really belt out and hold some notes at times too (eg: 'Democracy', 'Ghosts House'. 'Dystopia'). His words definitely stand out and are very memorable. He reminds me of Maynard James Keenan sometimes, his sound and the way he changes from a soft tone to lifting it with great energy.

Given the success of Graveyard in the last year, it is interesting how much Witchcraft have changed on this album. Perhaps having a crack at the market as well? Who can blame them? After all, they had a few albums under their belt and were garnering quite a bit of praise before the likes of Graveyard, Horisont, Noctum and more came along. Why not appeal to a new found audience? Musically it is still fantastic.

To go deeper in this analysis, I always talk about how Swedish bands always master a particular style, whether it be old school rock, death metal, doom, traditional metal, etc. Seriously, they do it better than any other country. After crafting three perfect old school stoner rock albums, Witchcraft has just gone and crafted a rock album perfectly. Never fear though, this is still too much for any Kings Of Leon fan boy..

Ikil