Ensiferum - Two Paths (2017)^{Release ID: 2835}

Best Ensiferum album in 10 years - no joke

Two Paths was my surprise hit of 2017. I had no anticipation or expectations for it. Heck, I forgot it was even happening until I got a notification from Spotify that it was available. One Man Army was such a huge dud, and Unsung Heroes was really underwhelming before that, so I had little reason to believe that Ensiferum could make me BELIEVE again. The pure magic of Ensiferum or even Victory Songs was gone except in traces.  

But lo and behold, I actually really like Two Paths. It has me coming back to it again and again and finishing it with a smile each time. Imagine that. I'm so very glad to have my doubts proven wrong. This is still one of the premiere bands in folk metal, and this is their strongest album since Victory Songs. They sound rejuvenated, revived, re-energized. The folk elements feel convincing, passionate and full of life again. From the epic shout-along title track to the jubilant melodies and catchy female vocals of "Feast With Valkyries" to the triumphant keyboard-driven "Way of the Warrior" or broodingly heroic "I Will Never Kneel", this album is full of great songs that stand out from one another. Even the swashbuckling Korpiklaani-esque 'fun' rock tracks like "God Is Dead" and "Don't You Say", while somewhat silly, are catchier and more energetic than the rah-rah-rocking counterparts on the past two albums. Even "Hail to the Victor" reminds me of "Treacherous Gods" in parts, which - even though Ensiferum will never match that level again - can only be a good thing. 

But I suppose there's no getting around the elephant in the room: the poor fan reception. People are dumping on Two Paths everywhere I look. I don't know what album everyone else is listening to, but I don't quite see how one could consider this significantly worse than the last album. To these ears, Petri Lindroos' growls and screams sound more convincing than ever and the entire band just sounds more inspired and on the same page overall than they have since perhaps the days of "Twilight Tavern". They sound like they are having fun again, instead of forcing or half-assing it. When I listen to this album, I feel like getting up, ripping off my shirt and running/dancing/fighting through the forests like a true pagan. That's all I want from an Ensiferum album. If you're the same as me, Two Paths delivers. 

Favorite tracks: Two Paths, Feast With Valkyries