ENSIFERUM - Interview With Sami Hinkka

Few days before the release of their new studio album, one days to be precise, we contacted the finland bassist of Ensiferum, Sami Hinkka, who offered us a clear and detailed view on this unpublished material, besides the history of the band through the albums and other info that we're sure you'll love to read.

On September 15th, Ensiferum will release their seventh full-length, "Two Paths", worldwide via Metal Blade Records. Produced by Anssi Kippo, the master was recorded on tape, for a true analog experience.

You can't talk about the true greats of folk-inspired melodic death metal without reverent mention of Ensiferum, and with "Two Paths" they once more affirm their place in the pantheons of the genre. Further building upon the thrilling metallic hybrid honed across six full-lengths, "Two Paths" is simultaneously the Finnish quintet's most epic and far-reaching collection and their most organic, which definitely sets it apart from the pack. "When we made 'One Man Army' (2015), we wanted it to sound more like a live album than a traditional studio album. With 'Two Paths', we took that to the next level with analog recording, cutting down tracks and even recording songs without a click, and because of that there is a totally different kind of groove compared to most modern metal albums," states bassist/vocalist Sami Hinkka. While their ideas are huge and they consistently prove they have the talent to back them up, the band maintains the grounded MO that has served them so well over the years, with the results speaking for themselves. "It all comes down to writing music that sounds good to us and is fun to play live, and I would say with 'Two Paths' we've done everything better than we ever have before."