Ensiferum live at O2 Academy Islington, London

Tidal Concerts proudly presents:
Ensiferum

Plus:
Metsatoll Official

Ensiferum - what name would suit a band playing battle metal better, than a name that in Latin means "Swordbearer"?

After founding the band in 1995, Ensiferum's mastermind, guitarist/main songwriter/vocalist Markus Toivonen has taken the band safely through turmoils of line-up changes and busy schedules ever since. The band's career fully took flight in 2000 after Spinefarm Records released their self titled debut album 'Ensiferum', and their busy touring made them a household favourite all over Finland. Their second album 'Iron' took Ensiferum a step further, all the way to Copenhagen's Sweet Silence Studios. There in Denmark, during the Fall of 2003, their second album was recorded in the capable hands of producer Flemming Rasmussen, known for his work on such masterpieces as Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' and 'Ride the Lightning.'

'Iron' was a great success and grew the band's popularity to whole new heights. The album also got the band some extensive touring abroad, but these gigs finally took a toll on the band. 2004 saw three band members depart: drummer Oliver Fokin, bassist Jukka-Pekka Miettinen and vocalist Jari Mäenpää (later known for his work with Wintersun). This was not the end of the world for the warriors of Ensiferum and mastermind Markus. Instead, new and capable musicians took their places. Bassist/vocalist Sami Hinkka, drummer Janne Parviainen (also known for his work on Waltari and Barathrum) and vocalist/guitarist Petri Lindroos all joined the ranks to finalise the new Ensiferum line-up.