Nuclear Blast – Out Now
Most of you are probably aware of ‘second album syndrome’, where bands that have received a decent level of exposure on their debut album find it difficult to create an equally good follow-up. In most cases it takes 2-3 years for bands to record new material but for the Finnish melodic Metallers Wintersun this process has taken the best part of a decade!
As you can of course appreciate, the levels of expectation had reached unprecedented heights, assisted by various false starts and release dates which never materialised. Well, this whole process has finally come to an end as mastermind Jari Maenpaa (guitars/vocals) and his fellow band mates are unleashing their second album, “Time I”.
I am not sure that when Jari began working on new material back in 2006 his goal was to record an album as thematically diverse and pompous as “Time I” but what I can say, having carefully listened to the five compositions on offer numerous times, is that “Time I” was certainly worth the wait! “Wintersun” was a truly inspired melodic Death Metal debut filled with good quality melodies but in “Time I” Maenpaa has really put his song writing skills to the test and come out victorious!
Filled with ‘cinematic’ orchestrations, catchy choruses and featuring an array of different vocal and guitar performances, “Time I” is not really a Metal album but a classical piece of music presented by a group of highly skilled Metal musicians and should be treated and appreciated as such.
I certainly felt the hair on the back of my head rising the moment I listened to the orchestral/classical arrangements of the opening tune “When Time Fades Away” – a piece of music that could easily accompany an epic-style movie. The introduction to the thirteen minute “Sons Of Winter And Stars” is smooth and natural, featuring a folky melodic theme which is soon taken over by bombastic drums and heavy riffs.
Even though there are constant rhythmical and thematic changes at work, this lengthy composition is quite coherent and audience-friendly, bringing influences from Symphony X (orchestral) and Blind Guardian (choral/vocal) into the band’s already established riff-orientated style.
“Land Of Snow And Sorrow” is much simpler by comparison, featuring choral themes reminiscent of the mighty Bathory while the two minute “Darkness And Frost” adds atmosphere to the proceedings. In the eleven and a half minute “Time” we simply have the best song of the album – with vocal performances both dramatic and highly emotional, with guitar solos flamboyant and a simply irresistible melodic refrain!
It takes one very brave soul to record an album such as “Time I” as the five compositions on offer can be quite demanding for the average listener but the more I listen and become addicted to this album the more I appreciate its creator’s vision.
If, like me, you feel that five songs are not enough to satisfy a decade-long wait you will be relieved to know that the second instalment (Time II) is scheduled for mid-2013 and, providing that this time the deadlines are met, we will soon be in for another treat!
John Stefanis
Rating: ****1/2 (4.5/5.0)
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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