The last time that Ensiferum left the studio with a new album, the world promptly shut down due to the covid pandemic. The Finnish folk-metal Melodeath sensation maintained a prolific release schedule since their first demo in 1997, gradually increasing in stature until eighth album Thalassic crowned their ascent in 2020. The nautical opus went on to top Finland's album chart, reaching #3 in Germany, and top ten in Switzerland, Canada and the USA. Eventually Ensiferum would take Thalassic on two massive world tours and to festivals like Wacken, Hellfest, Summer Breeze and Ragnar?k, but the global health hoo-hah ensured that the four-year wait for Winter Storm is the longest in the band's near-30-year history.