12 Years Later, The Wait Is Over
12 Years Later, The Wait Is OverAfter what feels like an eternity of waiting, Wintersun’s Time II has finally emerged from the shadows, delivering the second chapter of their much-anticipated Time saga. Fans have been waiting 12 long years for this album to drop, and the burning question is: was it worth it? The answer is a complicated one, as there is nothing that can live up to the hype of a 12 year wait for a sequel. But still, Time II is here and it is what it says it is.
Highlights
Right from the start, Time II plunges you into its vast, cinematic world. The album opens with “Fields of Snow,” a majestic instrumental that swells with orchestral grandeur, eerie choirs, and the delicate pluck of Eastern instruments. It’s the kind of intro that grabs you by the hand and pulls you into an otherworldly journey, one that’s equally ethereal and intense.
Then, boom! “The Way of the Fire” erupts, bringing the heat with fiery guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a ton of energy. It’s a bold contrast to the opener, but that’s exactly what makes this album work. Wintersun balances the intense with the introspective, moving seamlessly between the two throughout the record.
“One With the Shadows” slows things down a bit, offering a more introspective, melodic experience. The lush vocal harmonies and sweeping guitars wrap around you, creating a meditative space amidst the chaos. It’s a perfect breather before the album’s centerpiece track.
And speaking of chaos, “Storm” is the undeniable highlight. Clocking in at 12 minutes, it’s an epic whirlwind that takes you through the full range of Wintersun’s sound. There are neo-classical influences here—think Vivaldi on blast beats—mixed with complex time signatures, choir arrangements, and soaring guitar solos. The song builds and recedes, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotion before leaving you in a tranquil soundscape.
Finally, the album wraps with “Silver Leaves,” a serene and contemplative closer. After all the highs and drama, this track is like a gentle sigh of relief. The Eastern instrumentation returns, symbolizing the calm after the storm, and the quiet reflection on the transience of time, the central theme tying this saga together.
Final Verdict
Time II proves that Wintersun can deliver on their promises. The album is a meticulous blend of symphonic, progressive, and extreme metal, with the right amount of atmospheric beauty. But it’s not without its drawbacks. One gripe is the mix, it’s not terrible by any means, but considering the 12-year wait and the fact that the band crowdfunded for this project, expectations were higher.
The balance between the bombastic and the serene, the cosmic and the intimate, creates a journey that maybe it is worth the 12-year wait.
Tracklist
- Fields Of Snow
- The Way Of The Fire
- One With The Shadows
- Ominous Clouds
- Storm
- Silver Leaves
