Wintersun is something that has provoked intrigue among Heavy Metal fans since first emerging from the snowy forest of Finland some twenty years ago. Initially the solo project of Jari Mäenpää (originally a member of Ensiferum for eight years), when he released the self-titled debut Wintersun album in 2004, fans of Extreme Metal were wowed.
An album full of speedy guitar melodies, it had hints of Melodic Death Metal and Black Metal, immediately attaining an underground following. However, several setbacks put Wintersun in the rearview mirror of many, with no new music to follow for nearly a decade. Fortunately, the impact of the debut left a strong enough impression that when Wintersun re-emerged in 2012 with Time I, fans were ready and waiting. Hugely successful, Time I topped several charts and found Wintersun touring as a full band in North America.
Seemingly on their way, more delays followed, and it would be another five years before Wintersun’s third album The Forest Seasons arrived in 2017. Yet another monstrous release, the Classical music inspired The Forest Seasons became the band’s most commercially successful album. Including more North American touring in 2018, do not look now, but it has been seven years since Wintersun has released an album.
Another long span of time, fear not, because absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Wintersun is back in 2024 with Time II. Released on August 30th through Nuclear Blast, the album acts as a proper sequel to Time I… and let us just say does not disappoint. Yet another concept record, this time you are taken through a soundscape that leads you through light, into darkness, only to find light in the end.
Truly an epic collective of music, while you can piece it apart, it is much better served as a singular listening experience. Something to consider, like a Classical concert, there are movements, plus several peaks and valleys throughout. With this, Wintersun Mastermind Jari Mäenpää, along with Guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari (a member of Megadeth since 2023), Bassist Jukka Koskinen (a member of Nightwish since 2022), and Drummer Kai Hahto (a member of Nightwish since 2019) create a dazzling album that is bound to move you.
Creating visual imagery, the musicianship is exceptional as always, but what truly makes Time II standout is its ability to present songs that fit together well. Many times, with virtuoso styled music such as this the technically of the players might be there, but they become too self-indulgent, and this sometimes results in something lost in translation. That is not the case with past Wintersun records, but especially with the very carefully crafted Time II. In all honesty, it is something you need to experience yourself to enjoy; and not be spoon fed with descriptions.
That in mind, let us just say the opening of “Fields of Snow” is the perfect way to set the table for the full-blown impact of “The Way of The Fire,” as “Ominous Clouds” does for the intensity of “Storm.” With these, as well as the other songs, you get a spectrum of melodies, plus colourful and stellar instrumentation. With this, you also have a healthy serving of more Black Metal styled screams mixed with clean singing that compliment each track, but by and large the instrumental quality of the Time II is what takes the spotlight.
Overall, Time II is an emotionally moving piece of music. Inspired and full of energy, it is impossible not to pause life for a mere 48 plus minutes to indulge in the power of music. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this epic achievement 5 out of 5 stars.
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