Ilmatar (album)

Ilmatar is the debut studio album by the Finnish progressive folk metal band Ensiferum. It was released in 2007 by Spinefarm Records. The album is named after Ilmatar, a primordial goddess figure in Finnish mythology and the Kalevala.

The album's track list primarily consists of re-recorded and rearranged versions of older Ensiferum demos, alongside some new compositions. This approach allowed the band to present a more polished and refined version of their early material to a wider audience. Common themes explored in the lyrics include aspects of Finnish mythology, paganism, and heroism. Musically, Ilmatar showcases Ensiferum's signature blend of folk melodies, death metal growls, and epic atmospheres, establishing many of the stylistic elements that would become synonymous with the band's sound. The album's title and lyrical content contribute significantly to Ensiferum's overall image and their connection to Finnish cultural heritage.