qt-1 This album gets me pumped after a long day of mentally-draining office work. Favorite track: Fatherland.

H.L. For 25 years, Ensiferum has been one of the big names in epic folk metal. Melodic, lively, often heroic, and anthemic, their dynamic mix of melodic death and power metal is simply captivating. They perform with great energy, but they also don't shy away from quieter guest contributions, such as the almost ballad-like "Scars in my Heart," delivered by pleasant female vocals. Besides this rather unusual song, I can also recommend "Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife" as a more typical listen. Favorite track: Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife.

pghm Back to the furious old style of Ensiferum. Have to love this album as a perfect balance of old and new, bright and dark, humor and serious. Good stuff. Favorite track: Victorious.

Obsidian One The opening of 'Winter Madness'... such creative guitar riffs, with precise hyper-blasts and symphony elements tying it all together. 'Beyond the Dark Sun' is excellent as well, but perhaps most stunning of all — 'Battle Against Time'. This is what it's all about. Wintersun never disappoint, and this 2.0 version delivers with improved clarity and production. 'Death and the Healing' and 'Starchild' are fantastic too. This debut album is epic. Favorite track: Battle Against Time.

Michael Vader I was excited for this album when I heard about its impending release. To say it exceeded my expectations would not be emphatic enough.

I clearly remember being in line to give blood, and thinking about the melodies in "Death and the Healing" for hours on end and never tiring of it.

These new "2.0" mixes are really interesting, and show new dimensions of the songs that I've never head before. Favorite track: Death and the Healing.

soljudd This song changed my life. Favorite track: Beautiful Death.

grahamy This evokes Middle Earth as effectively as Summoning (and that's high praise) but by different means. Lots of memorable foot stomping riffs and an overall awkward youthful charm. Awesome!

Jacobby Jones This is a must for any Tolkien metal fan to have in their collection. Favorite track: The King Beneath the Mountains.

Fjordlord Finally! Rivendell on Bandcamp.
I can't believe it's twenty one years since this was released!
Out of the countless Tolkien inspired metal bands, Rivendell tops my list. Summoning comparisons wouldn't do justice, and I love Summoning! This is just a case of less is more. No need for a hundred layers of synth, when the song writing is this good.I would recommend all albums.
Thank you Gerold. Your music has been my soundtrack to the many corners of Middle Earth. Favorite track: The King Beneath the Mountains.

qapla138 it is impossible to have one favorite track!! This album is the definition of pure beauty.