02.05.2013
STATEMENT FROM MARKUS ABOUT HIS HEALTH & HEADBANGERS WEEKEND (TR) CANCELLATION
Unfortunately Ensiferum have been forced to cancel the show at Headbangers Weekend in Istanbul 5.5.2013, because of my medical condition. My right ear has been blocked and I've been half deaf for nine days now. There is also constant buzzing/noise.
The whole issue began around 10 days ago, whilst flying back home from our North-American tour. During these nine days I met four different doctors and I've been having hearing tests. Until this point, they had given me hope that my ear would be fine before this upcoming show in Istanbul, but unfortunately it has not recovered.
Today I met with a second ear doctor who told me that I cannot fly because of the pressure. It seems that the problem is in the inside of the ear. There was also infection in the middle of the ear, which has cleared up since. More tests (including x-rays) will follow next week.
This cancellation is nothing to do with the promoter. They did everything 100% correct (including payments and booking flights). This is strictly about my medical condition. We were forced to cancel one show last Sunday in Germany (Hexentanz festival) as well because of the same issue.
We really hope to get another chance to perform in Turkey soon and I am very sorry about this unexpected cancellation.
-Markus Toivonen / Ensiferum
24.04.2013
ENSIFERUM sign worldwide deal with Metal Blade Records
Agoura Hills, CA - April 23rd, 2013 - Finland's ENSIFERUM have spent the past 18 years honing the steel of their folk-infused battle metal auditory attack. Their albums are further bolstered by a live show that has become one of the most entertaining in all of metal. Proof of ENSIFERUM's status as one of the most vital bands in modern metal was made apparent through their headlining slot on this year's Paganfest USA tour. To further spread the band's music to a worldwide audience, ENSIFERUM has forged a deal with Metal Blade Records! The band inked the deal with Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel during the Paganfest USA tour, and all parties are enthusiastic about new music and new possibilities.
Bassist/backing vocalist Sami Hinkka comments: "We are really looking forward to our co-operation with such a great and legendary label as Metal Blade. The next full length album should be out in early 2015. We have already started working with the new songs and it's obvious that the next album will be another step ahead for Ensiferum. And now that we have united forces with mighty Metal Blade nothing can stop us! The next album is going to be something that will rock the very foundations of folk metal genre.
"We also would like to thank Spinefarm Records for all these 13 years, it's been as blast but now it is time for us to move on and head bravely towards new challenges.
The future looks bright for Sword Bearers!"
ENSIFERUM will be touring throughout Europe and South America this summer as they continue their live campaign in support of their most recent album, Unsung Heroes. Confirmed dates can be seen below, as well as on ensiferum.com and facebook.com/Ensiferum. ENSIFERUM merch is available now at http://shop.ensiferum.com/.
European Festivals
04/26 Oulu , FI Teatria
04/27 Helsinki, FI Virgin Oil
04/28 Losheim Am See, DE Hexentanz Festival
05/05 Istanbul, TR Headbangers Weekend Istanbul
05/18 Gelsenkirchen, DE Rock Hard Festival
05/20 Leipzig, DE Wave Gothic Treffen
06/07 Espoo, FI Kivenlahti Rock
06/20-22 Nummijärvi, FI Nummirock
06/26-30 Tokaj-Rakamaz, HU Hegyalka Festival
07/11-13 Ballenstedt, DE Rockharz Open Air
07/22-26 Tolmin, SL Metaldays
08/07-10 Jaromer, CZ Brutal Assault
08/09-10 Villena, ES Leyendas del Rock Festival
08/15-17 Dinkelsbühl, DE Summer Breeze
08/15-17 Falun, SE Rockstad Falun
South American Tour
05/28 Bogota, CO Teatro Las Vegas Nevada
05/30 Santiago, CL Blondie Club
05/31 Buenos Aires, AR Teatro Vorterix
06/01 Sao Paulo, BR Carioca Club
06/02 Rio De Janeiro, BR Teatro Odisséia
ENSIFERUM is:
Petri Lindroos - vocals/guitar
Markus Toivonen - guitar/backing vocals
Sami Hinkka - bass/backing vocals
Janne Parviainen - drums
Emmi Silvennoinen - keys/backing vocals
For more information on ENSIFERUM, which in latin means "sword bearer", view their complete history at ensiferum.com.
http://twitter.com/EnsiferumMetal
