Iron

Released in 2004, Iron is the second studio album by Finland's Ensiferum and stands as a landmark in the folk metal subgenre. It is most historically significant as the final recording featuring founding member Jari Mäenpää, who departed shortly after to focus on his project Wintersun. Recorded at Sweet Silence Studios with producer Flemming Rasmussen (noted for his work with Metallica), the album features a significantly more robust and professional sound than their debut. The record is famous for its 'battle metal' aesthetic, characterized by fast-paced tremolo picking, double-bass drumming, and the use of traditional folk melodies played on electric instruments. It also features the fan-favorite 'LAI LAI HEI', which incorporates Finnish lyrics and traditional humppa rhythms. Critical reception, including from AllMusic, generally praises the album for its energy and successful fusion of disparate genres, cementing Ensiferum's status as leaders of the Finnish metal scene.