Metal by the Letter – E

This one really wasn’t much of a contest. There were two candidates and I really didn’t have to deliberate. Between Ensiferum and Exodus, I had to go with the former, as the Bay Area Thrashers kind of lost me for a couple of albums.

The sword bearers have been a staple in my catalog since Victory Songs arrived in 2007, and ultimately my favorite band in their genre. My introduction to them was basically live when I went to see Tyr play in Atlanta. Ensiferum was the headliner and blew me away. I was hooked, if not slightly disappointed I wasn’t in on them during the Jari Mäenpää years.

Ensiferum has been seriously consistent over the years even considering they swapped out most of the band with the departure of Jari. Markus Toivonen has been the core member and his talent singes through. All things considered, Ensiferum is my favorite Folk Metal band as they are not gimmicky and are able to span the Death, Melodic Death, and Power Metal genres all at once.

Country of Origin: Finland

Number of Albums: 8

Years in Existence: 28

Style: Folk Metal

Shadygrove – In The Heart Of Scarlet Wood

It’s pretty interesting the amount of Metal talent that has been coming out of Italy for some time now. Taking another new page this time around Shadygrove bring their debut album to the Metal masses. 

Wind Rose – Stonehymn

Personally when a band sings about real world things, that tends to get me to check out that the act is about. Pair that with some personal favorite elements and the urge to listen to the album begins to go into overdrive. 

Eluveitie – Evocation II – Pantheon

The kings of folk metal, Eluveitie, had experienced some turbulence over the past year or so. With their future in question, the return of the band is celebrated with their next release, fresh with immense new blood titled, Evocation II – Pantheon. 

Cellar Darling – This Is The Sound

When a band breaks up for whatever reason and a new project forms, it’s only natural fans flock over and see what the hubbub is all about.

Album Review: Atlas Pain – What The Oak Left

When there are select genres you favor above others and a new band you find fits these expectations, sometimes the results can be diresome. Then again, there are always those select few that become underestimated. 

Album Review: Craving – By The Storm

The integration of multiple genres is a rather interesting element. Just when you think you have the album figured out, BAM something from the unknown appears and changes the direction you’re headed. 

Album Review: Arkona – Vozrozhdenie

I try to jump on as many bands as I can. Trying to absorb  as much metal as possible, it looks like another band has slipped through the cracks and are definitely underrated and not really known much in our community.

Album Review: Dark Forest – Beyond The Veil

Typically band names tend to lure me if worded appropriately and the name “Dark Forest” was no exception. Drawing influence and relatable sounds from some of the big names in the Power metal scene, I dove head first into this album that I had high hopes for. 

Album Review: Varang Nord – Fire of the North

Initially when I heard the name of the band as well as when I hear the name of a band for the first time I like to guess what genre or what style of metal they play. Well, I had totally underestimated that as well as the overall aggressive nature this album holds.