Details: Finally our patience will be rewarded when Finnish Wintersun's 'Time II' album is revealed to the world on August, 30th by Nuclear Blast. 'It has been quite a journey' admits mastermind Jari Mäenpää who has been working on his expansive 'Time' project since early 2004. 'Time II' includes six epic tracks with individual stories. Yet the subjects are all linked and this red line gives it a conceptual feeling. Entering Wintersun's universe, we are brought into the right mood with the eastern-influenced, atmospheric intro 'Fields Of Snow'. The first real Wintersun track is the metallic brilliance of 'The Way Of The Fire', with fire representing the energy of stars as a source of life, which is also connected to time. In 'One With The Shadows' we experience the magic of an opulence of vocal harmonies, while orchestral arrangements loom up as ornamental move. Jari has a remarkable vision on the lyrics, 'Now I think it is about regret. You are living in the shadows as long as you don't turn regret into something positive to continue your life. In 'Ominous Clouds', clouds are gathering as the interlude journeys towards the next exploring adventure 'Storm'. 'This is the heaviest and darkest track on the album,' explains Jari. 'It even has influences from classical music, more precisely from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons', furious guitars and heavy drums prevail, while the tone remains chaotic.' The last track, 'Silver Leaves', with an array of harmonious sounds, partly performed with traditional Chinese instruments like the 'erhu' (similar to the violin or fiddle). Ending on a positive note the song tells the story of finding a calm place and state of mind after the storm, being satisfied with your life and enjoying nature around you, as reflected by the cherry tree garden on the cover. White LP

Wintersun - Time II - White (Vinyl)