After 8 years of waiting, at October 19th the second Wintersun's
album has been released. First record, that Jari Mäenpää created, met
only two opinions: it was either loved by fans or has negative reviews.
Although, those who are expecting the same level of his work won't be
neither surprised or disappointed."Time I" begins with instrumental
track, which shows a little inspiration in the Chinese melodies. It
comes out as very interesting combination, so "When time fades away"
nicely and in some hypnotizing way, is encouraging to listen rest of the
album. And after this track, rest is only better.
The band kept its
chaotic sound, which was noticeable on the first album. Tracks are
spinning with full power stroke, just to slow down and pass into the
gentle tones. But that's the whole charm. At some moments it seems that
music is a bit harder than at the "old" Wintersun, but still the
original timbre is preserved. Therefore, it is still difficult to
categorise this music to any kind. Generally, sound of Wintersun is
entered into melodic death, but I don't know if that is right thing to
call it that way. I would rather describe it more as own, haywire Jari's
world, who's consistently continues creating very specific music.
After
first melody there are two fast songs with vocal. Or it will be better
to say that there are five of them, because „Sons of Winter and Stars”
should be listen as four different songs. There are very graceful
transitions between tracks and at the beggining is hard to tell if first
song ends and second begins. Big plus for it. Of course I can't miss
choirs, which are giving those songs whole, charming climate. Later on
the album reverberates soft, instrumental part. "Darkness and Frost"
creates nice introduction to the last track.
Lyrics climate also is kept. Vocal as well. Jari shows both sides of his vocal: rough and than clean. Sometimes he is trying too much while singing clear, but that's the charm of these songs.
To sum up: the album is very thought out and very polished. Once again, Mäenpää with his music has kidnapped the listener into the world of northern snows. It's easier to judge something with a critical eye, but to tell something about piece of good a work - is hard to find proper words. The album is outstanding, and those who loved the first Wintersun's album, will definitely love this one either, from the first hearing of it. It was worth the wait for those eight years and it's really worth listening. One big minus at the end: “Time I” is definitely too short.Tracklista:
1. When Time Fades Away2. Sons of Winter and Stars
I Rain of Stars
II Surrounded by Darkness
III Journey Inside a Dream
IV Sons of Winter and Stars
3. Land of Snow and Sorrow
4. Darkness and Frost
5. Time
Wydawca: Nuclear Blast (2012)
