Review & Photos: Ensiferum in Lakewood, Ohio

By David Desin, OOTB Publications

Ensiferum Brings Viking Sized Sound To Small Lakewood Stage

Finnish folk metal heavyweights brought a whole lot of noise—and even more energy—to No Class in Lakewood, Ohio, on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.

After a couple venue changes leading up to the show, the Helsinki-based band finally landed at the smaller venue called No Class, and if there were any concerns about whether a big-sounding band like Ensiferum could fit into an intimate room, they were put to rest almost immediately.

These guys absolutely tore the place up.

Ensiferum's blend of crushing metal riffs, folk inspired melodies, thunderous drums, and larger than life stage presence sounded massive in the relatively small venue. The close quarters only added to the intensity, putting the band right in the middle of the action and making the crowd feel like part of the performance.

The crowd definitely came ready to participate. Before long, the floor was alive with moshing, while some dedicated fans showed up in full Viking inspired gear, adding an extra dose of personality to an already rowdy night. It was the kind of crowd that clearly wasn't there just to watch—they came to be part of the experience.

What stood out most was just how much fun the entire night turned out to be. Sometimes a show you've been looking forward to meets expectations; other times, it completely blows past them. For me, Ensiferum fell into the second category. The show was even better than I anticipated, with the band's huge sound and the intimate setting combining for something that felt especially memorable.

There was plenty of metal, plenty of folk flavor, plenty of headbanging, and more than enough Viking spirit to go around. By the end of the night, it was hard not to walk away impressed by what Ensiferum can deliver onstage.

If you get the opportunity to see Ensiferum live, take it. Whether you're already a longtime fan of folk metal or simply looking for a live band that knows how to turn a small room into an absolute madhouse, these guys are worth catching.

The Lakewood show was proof that you don't need a massive venue for a massive concert experience.

Setlist

1. Winter Storm Vigilantes

2. Way of The Warrior

3. Fatherland

4. For Sirens

5. One More Magic Potion

6. The Howl

7. Stone Cold Metal

8. Treacherous Gods

9. Lai Lai Hei

10. Andromeda