Founding Ensiferum vocalist/guitarist Jari Mäenpää will reunite with the band for a series of special live performances, marking his first appearances with the group since 2004.
The shows will also mark Mäenpää’s first performances with Ensiferum outside of Finland since his departure.
Mäenpää will handle lead vocals on the songs he originally recorded, with the setlist drawing from the band’s 1997 demo, Ensiferum (2001), Iron (2004), Dragonheads (2006) and Victory Songs (2007).
He will join Markus Toivonen, Petri Lindroos, Janne Parviainen, Sami Hinkka and Pekka Montin onstage for the reunion shows.
So far the group will appear with Mäenpää at Ragnaroek Festival (April 1-3), which is in Finland, however the band claims they will also be announcing special shows in 2027 that will include Mäenpää.
The band shared the following:
We’ve heard you in the comments! You want us to play the old stuff. You want to hear the classics. Well… It’s time to give you some VERY exciting news. ⚔️🔥
Next year marks the 20th anniversary of “Victory Songs,” and we thought there would be no better way to celebrate than by going back to where it all began. We’re bringing the “Ensiferum,” “Iron,” and “Victory Songs” era back to the stage, but there’s more.
For the first time ever outside Finland, we will be joined on stage by the original singer and guitarist Jari Mäenpää. Together we are happy to present you:
ENSIFERUM FEAT. JARI MÄENPÄÄ: THE EARLY YEARS
We’ll be bringing The Early Years across Europe in 2027. And who knows… maybe even further. Let us know in the comments where you would like to see The Early Years! 👀
Time to dig out the old songs. We hope to see all of you celebrating the early years of Ensiferum with us! 🤘
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Only shows specifically marked “Ensiferum ft. Jari Mäenpää: The Early Years” and/or featuring The Early Years logo will include Jari Mäenpää in the lineup!
Mäenpää added:
I’m excited and honored to be joining Ensiferum for these very special ‘Early Years’ live shows! After more than 20 years, I’ll be performing with Ensiferum again. I can’t wait to sing these classic songs with you all. See you there!