Ensiferum

Ensiferum is a folk metal band from Helsinki, Finland, formed in 1995. The band was started by Markus Toivonen on guitar, Sauli Savolainen on bass, and Kimmo Miettinen on drums. A year later, Jari Mäenpää joined as a vocalist and second guitarist, adding a fresh dynamic to their sound. Their first demo, featuring three tracks, came out in 1997.

In 1998, changes in the lineup occurred. Savolainen and Miettinen left, and they were replaced by Jukka-Pekka Miettinen, Kimmo’s younger brother, and Oliver Fokin on drums. Despite being only 14 years old, Jukka-Pekka contributed greatly. The band recorded a second demo in 1999, which didn’t land a record deal but gave them more confidence. Later that year, their third demo, Hero in a Dream, proved successful and secured a contract with Spinefarm Records. Tuomas Tahvanainen designed the logo that became iconic for Ensiferum during this time...Read More »