Two Paths

You can't talk about the true greats of folk metal without reverent mention of Ensiferum, and with Two Paths they once more affirm their place in the pantheons of the genre. Further building upon the thrilling metallic hybrid honed across six full-lengths, Two Paths is simultaneously the Finnish quintet's most epic and far-reaching collection and their most organic, which definitely sets it apart from the pack. Having developed such a strong working relationship with producer Anssi Kippo (Children Of Bodom) with One Man Army, reuniting for it's successor was the obvious choice. Whether it's the breakneck, ultra-catchy thrashings of "For Those About To Fight For Metal" or "King Of Storms," the crunchy stomp of "I Will Never Kneel" or the surging thunder of the title track, they never fail to grip, and when they slow things down - as on the cinematic "Hail To The Victor" - they somehow manage to sound even bigger. Likewise, the grandiose, heroic themes that have always run through Ensiferum's records feature in the lyrics, and while the theme of Two Paths - the choices we make, and the consequences of these decisions - also factor into this, bassist/vocalist Sami Hinkka always prefers leaving things open to interpretation.