Victory Songs

Full-length, Spinefarm
April 27th, 2007

Written by mystagogue (metal archives member) on April 24th, 2007

Markus Toivonen is a genius. I think most people are too caught up in Jari fever to realize this, but he is. Not to say that Jari isn't good, because he's amazing, and Wintersun is one of my favorite bands, but Markus is the mastermind behind Ensiferum, not Jari. Markus formed the band in 1995, a year before Jari joined, Markus has been in the band ever since, and Markus writes almost everything for Ensiferum. Song writing is the most important part of any band, and Markus has always been Ensiferum's main writer. I think that most people have rated this album lower than it deserves for the simple fact that Jari has left the band, but if this exact album was released by any other band, everybody would be raving about how good it is, because it's awesome.

Victory Songs is definitely different from Ensiferum's first two CDs. It's more folky, with some songs even reminding me of humppa metal at times. Also, the overall atmosphere is slightly different, a little less wintry. But these aren't bad things, Ensiferum is evolving instead of repeating themselves, and the results are amazing.

Ad Victoriam opens the CD with possibly the coolest intro I've ever heard. The great folk melody builds throughout the song before exploding into the second song, Blood Is the Price of Glory. This song, along with Deathbringer from the Sky, reminds me of the layout of Ensiferum's last CD, with track 2 being fast and upbeat and track 3 being power metallish. Both songs are fast and solid. Then track 4 and 5, Ahti and One More Magic Potion, show more contrast from Ensiferum's older material. Both have a variety of instruments, sounding folkish and almost humppa, yet they are still mid to fast paced songs. Then comes the Wanderer, which is probably my favorite ballad ever. It's written perfectly, nothing fancy, just pure inspiration, and the lyrics fit perfectly. Tracks 7 and 8 are both solid, but the next stand out track is the last, Victory Song. This is a 10 minute epic, with the sweetest progression ever. It starts with slow folk melodies, then is brought together with the double bass and builds until the end, fading out to pipes playing the main riff. Have to hear it.

Overall, I would rate this album above the debut, but slightly below Iron, which is pretty impossible to top. Hopefully people will realize how talented Markus is and give him the respect he deserves.

Thornography

Roadrunner Records
October 16th, 2006


Written by Shadow_Walker (metal archives member) on December 22nd, 2007

Cradle of Filth, as one of the most well-known metal bands, are much criticized and much loved. Some people hate them, some appreciate their music. Well, I am a big fan of them so I’ll review CoF’s newest album to date as such.

When I listen to music, I see it in color. For me “Thornography” is indigo. Why? Because it’s dark, mysterious, independent, strange, heavy, melodic and certainly different. “Thornoghraphy” shows the desire of the band for something new. It’s filled with new ideas and experimentation with different styles, structures, feelings. As a whole this release is like a gothic-horror movie soundtrack with its furious and/or melodic sound.

The ever-changing line up can be seen as some of the main reasons for the band to involve from black/death metal to what they are now. With “Thornography”, CoF have made yet another change in their style. The style of the album shows a thrash influence. But the thrashy riffs are lead by the dark-erotic gothic feeling. This release is much guitar-driven and heavier than any of CoF’s recent works. Here the keyboards and synth do not play such an important role, although where they are present, they sound great. The album is also not so commercial, it’s catchy but in the good sense. There are some flaws but generally the songs are very impressive and grabbing the attention with great riffs and nice solos. “Thornography” has these gloomy tracks about death, love, despair, etc. Most of them are based on the contrast between the brutal the melancholic parts. The order is also good chosen. Dani Filth, the link between everything CoF have made, as always has provided the lyrics and the vocals. But his vocal style is also changed – he makes new tricks, even clean singing.

Some may think this is yet another step down, just another album, but in my opinion this is a step up. This release is way better than “Nymphetamine” and the sound is much closer to the old school albums. Well, “Thornography” may not be CoF’s defining album. However it’s very good. I can’t really describe all the feelings I feel while listening to the album but I’m very pleased with it and I really enjoy “Thornoghraphy” every time.

Highlights: “Tonight in Flames”, “The Foetus of a new day kicking”, “Under the huntress moon”, “Byronic Man”, “Dirge inferno”.