Band Origin: Finland
Genre: Epic Folk Metal
Release Date: 2007
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
Victory Songs (2007) is widely considered by fans and critics to be an absolute masterpiece and a definitive cornerstone of the entire Folk Metal genre. It is Ensiferum’s third studio album, and it carried massive historical weight: it was the first full-length album to feature Petri Lindroos on harsh vocals following the departure of the band’s legendary co-founder, Jari Mäenpää.
Rather than stumbling under the pressure of a major lineup change, Ensiferum delivered an album that was bigger, faster, and more triumphant than anything they had done before.
The Turning Point: A New Era Begins
Produced by Janne Joutsenniemi, Victory Songs seamlessly bridged the gap between the raw melodeath roots of their early records and a grand, cinematic folk aesthetic. Petri Lindroos brought a deeper, more aggressive death metal growl to the band, which provided a brilliant contrast to the soaring clean vocals and massive masculine choirs that define the record.
Musical Style & Characteristics:
Unstoppable Energy: The album is defined by its blistering pace. The drums and bass deliver a relentless, galloping rhythm that makes almost every track feel like a charge into battle.
Orchestral and Traditional Layers: The band expanded their sonic palette by incorporating a wide array of guest musicians playing authentic folk instruments, including the nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle), bagpipes, bodhrán, and the traditional Finnish kantele.
Massive Choirs: The choruses on this album are legendary. The band utilized multi-tracked group vocals to create the feeling of an entire army singing along.
Notable Tracks:
“Blood Is the Prince of Glory”
After a beautiful acoustic intro, this track explodes into a high-speed folk-thrash attack. It features some of the catchiest dual-guitar and keyboard harmonies in the band’s history.
“One More Magic Potion”
A fan-favorite and a live staple. This song highlights the lighter, more whimsical side of folk metal, utilizing bagpipes and a highly infectious, sea-shanty-style rhythm that makes it the ultimate tavern anthem.
“Ahti”
Named after the ancient Finnish god of the sea. It is a relentless, hyper-fast track driven by traditional folk melodies translated onto heavy electric guitars, culminating in a massive, fist-pumping chorus.
“Victory Song”
The monumental 10-minute title track that closes the album. It begins with a haunting folk melody before evolving into a progressive metal epic. It features sweeping movements, beautiful clean vocal passages, and a triumphant finale that ranks as one of the greatest moments in folk metal history.
Critical Reception & Legacy
The Fan Verdict: Victory Songs was a massive success, universally praised for proving that Ensiferum could thrive without Jari Mäenpää. It solidified the “Petri-era” lineup and reassured fans that the band’s songwriting power was fully intact.
Genre Blueprint: Alongside albums like Wintersun’s self-titled debut and Eluveitie’s Slania, Victory Songs defined the mid-2000s golden age of European folk metal.
Live Staples: Nearly two decades after its release, tracks like “Ahti,” “One More Magic Potion,” and “Blood Is the Prince of Glory” still form the backbone of Ensiferum’s energetic live concert setlists.
