LIVE FROM THE PIT: Ensiferum, Freedom Call and Dragony

If there is a country who never misses with its representation on the metal scene, it is with no doubts Finland, who has been reigning over the world of heavy music for decades. And one of its greatest representatives, ENSIFERUM, has returned to London in the new year after a few years, bringing a fresh start to the new season of concerts. Composed of MARKUS TOIVONEN (guitars, backing vocals), PETRI LINDROOS (guitars, harsh vocals), SAMI HINKKA (bass, clean and harsh vocals), JANNE PARVIAINEN (drums) and PEKKA MONTIN (keyboards, clean vocals), the Finnish melodic folk metal band not only performed songs from their latest album Winter Storm, but also served many songs from their previous releases.

The Winter Storm Over Europe tour is taking place across Europe for approximately one month, with only one UK stop - The Dome in London. Supported for its duration by FREEDOM CALL and DRAGONY, the tour was already promising even before the doors opened. 

The first band of the night, DRAGONY, was a symphonic power metal band from Austria that managed to make the venue move since the lights went off. Featuring SIEGFRIED “THE DRAGONSLAYER” SAMER (vocals), HERBERT GLOS (bass), SIMON SAITO (guitars), MANUEL HARTLEB (keyboards), MAT PLEKHANOV (guitars), CHRIS AUCKENTHALER (drums), and a MARIA NESH (vocals), who joined the band permanently right before the tour, it was the youngest band on the lineup, although it formed in 2007. 

The setlist was short and contained only nine songs, including three from their 2024 release Hic Svnt Dracones, yet the set was captivating, as SAMER and NESH mostly sang together, creating a beautiful mix of voices accompanied by the symphonic melodies. DRAGONY was certainly a pleasant surprise for anyone, who did not know about them prior to the night, and absolutely accomplished to make the crowd more excited for the next two bands.

FREEDOM CALL is a band that does not need any introductions in the power metal world. Formed in 1998 in Germany and founded by the vocalist CHRIS BAY, the lineup currently includes the guitarist LARS RETTZKOWITZ, bassist FRANCESCO FERRARO and drummer RAMY ALI and needless to say that it is a pretty solid lineup, even whilst BAY is the only founding member left. Also known as a “Happy Metal” band and recently given a title of the happiest metal band in the world by the Metro US, FREEDOM CALL still knows how to make a big show even after twenty-eight years, and the big crowd that took over The Dome for their set was the indication that it will be a really special one.

Playing their newer songs, including their fresh release Heavy Metal Happycore, that is featuring PETRI LINDROOS from ENSIFERUM, as well as older classics like Warriors and Silver Romance - a titular track from their first release, FREEDOM CALL put on an unforgettable performance packed with good ol’ riffs that assured the fans had an amazing time after waiting for their comeback after four years.

The atmosphere from the first two bands had filled The Dome with even more excitement, as the moment for ENSIFERUM to take over the stage was rapidly approaching. Once the lights dimmed and the tape started playing Aurora, from their latest album Winter Storm, the crowd’s cheering began, and did not stop until the end of the set, and rightfully so, as their favourites did not hold back with roaring vocals, riffs and beats that echoed throughout the venue. Playing more songs from their latest album like Fatherland, Scars In My Heart and Winter Storm Vigilantes, as well as showcasing their older work, it was obvious that the fans were longing for the folk-metal legends more than ever.

LINDROOS and HINKKA did most of the vocal work of the night, while interacting with the fans, but there were moments, when MONTIN left his keyboards to join the band on the front to sing. As the set reached the point, when Scars In My Heart was finally about to be played, LINDROOS invited MARIA NESH of DRAGONY onto the stage, to deliver an emotional performance that was with no doubt one of the highlights of the evening. Having a simple staging with their logo behind them and occasional steam coming out at the front, while having no barriers in between themselves and the fans, the band had the chance to connect closer with the crowd, and it was to no surprise that oftentimes the members leaned forward into the floor, or even shaked hands.

With thirteen songs on the bill, the evening ran past quickly, and before anyone realised, it was already time to bid a farewell to the Finnish five-piece. Closing the evening with three encore songs, Axe Of Judgement, In My Sword I Trust and Two of Spades and a cheeky promotion of their upcoming beard care products, ENSIFERUM once again managed to prove to London that they are indeed a band that is ready to grow, while staying true to its roots. The entire lineup of the night was spectacular and anyone who went in expecting good music and an amazing atmosphere was indeed not let down in the slightest.