Metal Blades: Ensiferum, 'From Afar'

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IF THE PHOTO didn't tip you off, Ensiferum's name is Latin for "sword bearing," and the band does love the heavy metal.

But the group's music is self-described "heroic folk metal," and there is no better definition for the Finnish band's mixture of galloping Nordic rhythms, chugging distorted guitars and fantastical lyrics that sound like they're ripped from the "Kalevala," the country's magnum opus folk poem.

Ensiferum is part of a small but strong collection of Finnish bands who have explored their country's long heritage, musically and lyrically, under the modern umbrella of metal. The 14-year-old group's new CD, "From Afar" (Spinefarm), is another action-packed epic, soaked in blood and grain alcohol. It's pure fantasy music for those who mark down dates for the Medieval Faire a year in advance.

The band members' costumes and war pain't aren't authentic, bassist-lyricist Sami Hinkka said in an interview with Express last year, but "one of those things that helps me get into the right mood."

While Ensiferum is aware that dressing up as knights, singing about swords and banging their heads to "Ahti" — the Finnish god of the sea and fishing, who gets his own tune on the 2007 album "Victory Songs" — is kinda funny, they also know that making "Dungeons & Dragons" rock is a helluva lotta fun.

"There is humor in the songs and live performances," Hinkka said. "Also, everyone in the band has a good sense of humor. Even though we play metal and we love music, its still not a matter of life and death."

» Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Rd., Springfield, Va.; with Ensiferum, Blackguard, Swashbuckle, Apothys, Radamanthys, Fri., Nov..6, 6:30 p.m., $25; 703-569-5940.

» RELATED: "Swords & Sonic Sorcerers: Ensiferum" [Express, Oct. 2008]

Photos by Jere Hietala