Ensiferum is a folk-inspired melodic death metal band that has established themselves as a true powerhouse in the music industry. With their eighth full-length album, Thalassic, they solidify their position even further. The album, which translates to of or relating to seas in ancient Greek, is a massive collection of songs that seamlessly blend orchestrations and traditional folk instrumentation with roaring guitars, bass, and drums.

Ensiferum's trademark elements can be found throughout the album - beautiful folkish melodies, ass-kicking riffs, a mix of different vocals, and great singalong choruses. However, Thalassic takes a new approach by scaling back on the orchestral arrangements and presenting more straightforward metal tracks. Each song tells a story and evokes a particular emotion, with the sounds perfectly complementing the themes.

The addition of keyboard player/lead clean vocalist Pekka Montin has brought a fresh perspective to the band's sound, elevating the new songs to another level. The orchestrations by Mikko P. Mustonen and the folk instruments recorded by Lassi Logren further enhance the overall sonic experience.

What sets Thalassic apart from Ensiferum's previous works is its theme. It is the first album in their discography to be centered around a specific concept. Inspired by the sea and water, the lyrics delve into various historical and mythological references, tying them to Ensiferum's heroic mentality.

Although the album explores diverse themes, it stays true to the band's roots. Thalassic was flawlessly recorded and produced by Janne Joutsenniemi, who has previously worked with Ensiferum. The studio sessions were easy-going, resulting in a cohesive and powerful album.

The artwork by Gyula Havanchak beautifully captures the essence of the songs and the underlying theme. Looking ahead, Ensiferum intends to continue doing what they do best - creating exceptional music. They hope to embark on a support tour with a bigger band and expand their reach even further.

With their passion and talent, Ensiferum is undoubtedly destined for even greater success in the future