Band:	Ensiferum
Album:	Ensiferum
Style:	Extreme folk metal
Release date:	2001

01. Intro
02. Hero In A Dream
03. Token Of Time
04. Guardians Of Fate
05. Old Man (Väinämöinen)
06. Little Dreamer (Väinämöinen Part II)
07. Abandoned
08. Windrider
09. Treacherous Gods
10. Eternal Wait
11. Battle Song
12. Goblins' Dance

2001 was just about to become history when I received this cd in the mail. It was three days before 2002 and I found myself on an airplane home to spend the New Year. The plane had just taxied off the runway as I placed Ensiferum's debut self-titled album in my cd player. I had not heard much about this young Finnish band before I had ordered the CD but was told, since I like Moonsorrow and Finntroll, I would eat this cd up for breakfast lunch and dinner. Well, I am still eating it and it sounds better every fucking time.

What makes this cd so epic for me is the amazing mesh of Viking folk melodies throughout the entire cd. Each song interprets a certain aspect of Viking folklore that creates a very melodic and relentless atmosphere. Also the choruses in each of the tracks are creatively done. I could notice other Finnish influence that creeps up throughout the album but for the most part Ensiferum have their own sound going and are a welcome breath of cold fresh Finnish winter air.

I would normally write about my favorite song but the whole damn album is amazing. Though when you play "Treacherous Gods", and "Battle Song" you will hopefully hear what I do in this band. This was my choice for number one of 2001, and with some luck they can top that in 2003 with their second album.

I strongly recommend Ensiferum. Trust me, on this one you cannot go wrong.