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Artist
Ensiferum
12+ albums
folk metalviking metalMelodic Death Metalfinnishmetal
about
Ensiferum is a Finnish folk metal band from Helsinki. The name is Latin (ensiferum, meaning “sword bearing”). The members describe their style as “melodic folk metal”. The band has released nine studio albums. Ensiferum was founded in 1995 by guitarist Markus Toivonen, bassist Sauli Savolainen and drummer Kimmo Miettinen. In 1996, Jari Mäenpää joined as vocalist and second guitarist. The band released its first demo in 1997, containing three songs. In 1998, Savolainen and Miettinen left and were replaced by Jukka-Pekka Miettinen and Oliver Fokin. In 1999, a second demo was recorded, followed by a third demo, “Hero in a Dream”, which led to a record deal with Spinefarm Records. The band’s logo, used on later releases, was designed for this demo period. Work on the debut album began in 2000, and “Ensiferum” was released in 2001. Keyboardist Meiju Enho joined the band in the same year. After the completion of the second album “Iron”, Jari Mäenpää left in 2004 due to scheduling conflicts with his project Wintersun. Petri Lindroos from Norther replaced him on guitar and vocals and later became a permanent member. In late 2004, Jukka-Pekka Miettinen left and was replaced by Sami Hinkka. Drummer Oliver Fokin left in 2005 and was replaced by Janne Parviainen. The EP “Dragonheads” was released in 2006, including a title track, reworked demo material, a cover version of an Amorphis song, and traditional Finnish pieces. A live DVD, “10th Anniversary Live”, was released in 2006. The
