On the heels of two solid years of touring in support of its most successful and critically acclaimed album yet, Victory Songs (which will be reissued with exclusive U.S. bonus content on 10/20/2009), Finnish folk-metal powerhouse Ensiferum returns triumphantly with their latest full-length, From Afar.

Produced by famed producers Tero Kinnunen (Nightwish, Amorphis) and Janne Joutsenniemi, who also handled duties for Victory Songs, the album features 10 crushing, new metal anthems that find Ensiferum (Latin for "Swordbearer") faster and heavier with elaborate orchestrations playing a more prominent role in their signature "Viking Metal" sound.

With battle axes and swords in hand, From Afar is Ensiferum's strongest release to date. Having already proved its live vitality on 2008's Paganfest and this year's Summer Slaughter tour, Ensiferum is clearly ready to conquer America and stake their rightful claim to the throne of metal giants.

Ensiferum will return to North American shores in November for their first headlining tour, featuring special guests Hypocrisy, Ex Deo, and Blackguard.

*Offer valid only with purchase of From Afar. This special offer is valid for both domestic and international orders. CDs shipping with promotional material are limited to (5) per customer. Booklets will be available while supplies last, newburycomics.com will post information when autographed booklets are sold out.