Ethereal Metal

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

Wintersun’s Time II is a monumental work that deftly weaves together a vast array of influences, creating an album that is both technically impressive and emotionally charged. From its serene beginnings to its thunderous climax, the album stands as a testament to the band’s intricate craftsmanship and profound grasp of not only the epic scope of metal but also the art of weaving a soundscape that is both powerful and deeply moving.

The album opens with “Fields of Snow,” a tranquil instrumental piece that uses traditional stringed instruments to set a peaceful, reflective mood. This track serves as a gentle introduction, drawing listeners into a serene winter landscape, preparing them before the album’s intensity is fully unleashed.

“The Way of the Fire” begins with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming, a moment of deceptive calm before the storm (literally) As the acoustic notes fade, the track erupts into a blackened melodic onslaught, where Teemu Mäntysaari and Jari Mäenpää’s intricate guitar work takes center stage. The dual guitars weave a complex tapestry of soaring melodies and aggressive riffs, creating a sense of building intensity. Mäenpää’s vocals are dynamic, alternating between clean, powerful singing and harsh growls that complement the song’s dual nature. Kai Hahto’s drumming drives the track with intensity and relentless precision, while Jukka Koskinen’s bass lines add depth and weight to the mix. The incorporation of subtle traditional percussion instruments adds texture without detracting from the metal core. The track’s energy and intensity make it a perfect segue into the more melodic death metal-infused “One With the Shadows.”

“One With the Shadows” offers a mid-paced, more “laid back” track that is steeped in the melancholy and grandeur often associated with Finnish metal. The track opens with a powerful display of atmosphere, with Mäntysaari’s guitar melodies capturing the essence of Finnish melancholy—a blend of sorrow and strength that gives the song emotional depth. Mäenpää’s vocals, especially in the clean sections, carry an earthy, grounded quality that complements the song’s epic feel. Koskinen’s bass provides a melodic counterpoint, while Hahto’s drumming remains powerful yet measured, adding to the track’s sense of grandeur. The subtle inclusion of traditional instruments further enhances the song’s cinematic quality, immersing the listener in Wintersun’s expansive soundscape.

The brief, yet beautifully done interlude “Ominous Clouds” serves as a moment of calm before the storm truly arrives. Its atmospheric keyboards and relaxed, progressive guitar solo offer a necessary pause, allowing the listener to breathe before the album plunges into its darker, more intense second half.

“Storm” is where the album reaches its most intense and epic heights. The track builds from delicate atmospherics into a full-force neoclassical assault, with Mäntysaari and Mäenpää’s guitars delivering some of the most intricate and technically impressive work on the album. Hahto’s drumming is ferocious, driving the track with relentless energy. The dark, blackened grandeur of the track is reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir’s “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse,” particularly in how it combines orchestral bombast with blistering metal aggression. The use of symphonic elements in “Storm” mirrors the dramatic, almost cinematic qualities of Dimmu Borgir’s work, but with Wintersun’s distinct DNA at its core. Throughout the song, the atmosphere is punctuated by the sound of a thunderstorm, which subtly rumbles and crashes in the background, adding to the track’s tempestuous energy and immersing the listener deeper into the stormy atmosphere. The storm gradually subsides, leading into a serene outro that smoothly transitions into the album’s final act.

The closing track, “Silver Leaves,” is a 12-minute epic that encapsulates the full range of Wintersun’s abilities. The song moves through various phases, from gentle waterfalls and breathtaking atmospheres, to more folk-inspired passages and even powerful, symphonic crescendos. Mäenpää’s vocals are at their most vulnerable and most expressive, guiding the listener through an emotionally charged journey. Mäntysaari’s and Mäenpää’s guitars weave intricate patterns, while Koskinen’s bass and Hahto’s drumming provide a solid rhythmic backbone. The use of traditional instruments in this track is particularly effective, adding texture and depth that make the music feel both expansive and intimate.

In Time II, Wintersun has crafted an absolute masterpiece that blends technical precision with emotional depth. The subtle incorporation of traditional elements, including the atmospheric use of natural sounds, adds a unique flavor to the album, enhancing its epic scope without overshadowing its metal core. Each band member’s contribution is crucial, with their chemistry evident in every track. This long-awaited sequel was well worth the wait, offering fans an immersive, genre-blending experience that is as technically impressive as it is emotionally resonant.

Now, for the love of all things metal – please don’t make us wait this long again?! But really, the wait was INCREDIBLY worth it! 

Be sure to check it out! The six tracks will fly by, leaving you eager to hit repeat. Don’t worry—you’ll definitely give in.

Verdict: 4.5/5