Review by illusionist for Ensiferum - 1997-1999 (2005)

FROST!

These demos are worth seeking out for "Frost" and "White Storm" alone, which are two of the best Ensiferum songs EVER despite never being released on a full album. It's Ensiferum at their most 'Viking Metal', in the case of "Frost" complete with some fairly dissonant riffing and a haunting acoustic section in the middle a la Bathory or Dissection, building back up to a piercing Jari Mäenpää scream ("Frooost!") and customary upbeat finish.  

Throw in rawer versions of my very favorite Ensiferum songs ("Old Man" and "Little Dreamer") and a decent (though unspectacular) mid-paced number in "Knighthood" and you have one hell of a worthwhile compilation. If the very first thing your band ever trots out is this level of quality, chances are you're going to be pretty great.