Ensiferum entered the stage at Gruenspan to a completely filled hall, which was hot with anticipation. And just hot in general.
Pain might be headlining this night, but there were certainly a lot of people who's true main act was the Finnish boys about to play.

"Gruenspan, it's so good to be back here. It's Friday, it's party time!"
- Petri Lindroos (vocals/guitar)

If the floor was jam packed, it wasn't all that much better on stage. What with Pain's drumkit taking up the middle, and Ensiferum's own drumkit and keyboard taking up the left and right side respectively, there wasn't much space left in the front for the string bending trio, but to their credit, they didn't let it affect their performance one bit. While the whole band's energy was turned to max, it was especially Sami Hinkka (bass) and Markus Toivonen (guitar) that flew from side to side, striking poses as they went, and generally being in a highly playful mood. Of course, Pekka Montin (keyboard) got his time in the sun as well, taking a place in the front for Run From The Crushing Tide once more, where he lent his crispy clean vocals as well as crowd endearing skills.

"Hamburg, tonight you are our fucking heathen horde! C'mon, make some noise!"
- Lindroos (vocals/guitar)

Well, the crowd was endeared, that's for sure! It was hard to have too much action going on, given how many people were squeezed into the hall, but throughout, there was a clear ripple and waving going through the throng, letting us know that the fans weren't just idly listening along; and there were of course specific points where something extra was either asked for by the band, or arose by itself. For In My Sword I Trust, everyone got their fighting hands in the air - and I do mean everyone! - and Lai Lai Hei had a great sing along which was milked just enough by the band to keep it fun, without dragging on. Fittingly, Run From The Crushing Tides saw some crowd surfing starting up, and this tickled Hinkka to such an extent that when the first surfer was about to cross the security fence, he rushed to the edge of the stage to greet the man personally.
Hinkka obviously liked getting close and personal with the crowd, as during the opening of Lai Lai Hei, he went down into the security pit and walked from side to side, to say hi to everyone in the front lines.

After a sweaty and sweet gig, Ensiferum left us with a promise of heading straight to the studio to record a new album as soon as this tour was over, and that they would be back again next year. I don't think I need to tell you how well received this was by their German fans?
Anyway, I must say that Ensiferum performed admirably this evening, and the show easily ranks among the highest of those I've seen with the band.

Setlist:

Andromeda
In My Sword I Trust
Run From The Crushing Tide
For Sirens
Twilight Tavern
Heathen Horde
One Man Army
LAI LAI HEI
Two Of Spades