Interview by Angela Croudace
Gather your Viking drinking horns and war paint! Finnish folk-metal melodeath band Ensiferum is set to release their new album, Winter Storm, on October 18. Guitarist and vocalist Petri Lindroos spoke with HEAVY about the creative journey behind Winter Storm and even shared a Finnish saying with us.
Having joined Ensiferum in 2004, Petri still thrives on the electrifying energy of their live audiences. He doesn’t need any warm-up before hitting the stage, as harsh vocals come naturally to him. The band aimed for Winter Storm to truly resonate with listeners, claiming it to be their most serious work to date.
“If it’s not ready, we weren’t going to go into the studio, so Markus really wanted to make sure this one hit the spot," he told us. "I think there’s something in it (the band) that pulls me into it. You can hear the impact of the music from different situations in life. That gives a good feeling.”
Petri describes Winter Storm as a notably serious album, with Ensiferum achieving this depth through heavier instrumentals and a harmonious blend of melodic vocals, complemented by a few growls for added intensity.
Visually, Winter Storm embraces a Game of Thrones aesthetic in the latest music videos for Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Winter Storm Vigilantes. Petri elaborates on the lyrical process that his bandmate Sami Hinkka employs, detailing how Sami's concepts evolve into the rich, narrative-driven folk metal songs that characterize their sound. This fusion of striking visuals and evocative lyrics creates an immersive experience that transports listeners to a world of epic tales and emotional depth.
We get through heaps more, so check out the full interview to get the whole picture.