Wintersun Wintersun
Nuclear Blast Records October 5th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
Immediately youre going to notice influences of Children of Bodom and Dream Theater within the confines of Wintersuns self-titled debut. And, its impressive that the latter is essentially a one-man show, helmed by Maenpaa. Hahto (Rotten Sound), the only other member, contributes the drumwork.
Beyond the Dark Sun is a brief, whimsical beginning and fully illustrates the Children of Bodom alliteration in the first paragraph. The first track sets a good, fast pace as keyboards run all throughout. Various vocal styles punctuate at certain times, and the growls though typical are nicely done. Winter Madness captures the spirit of Finnish metal due to its concise harshness. The background vocalizations distinctly remind me of Borknagar and Vintersorg. The drumming in Winter Madness is frantic and flawless. By this time, you should begin to notice the masturbatory instrumentation that frequents the compositions; this phenomenon will continue to saturate the remainder of the release. Sleeping Stars slows things down, but eventually settles into a mid-paced outing. Speed invades once again as the first sounds of Battle Against Time are heard. Death and the Healing is one of the more innovative tracks on the record: melodic lulls, much differentiation, and emotional chants abound here. Starchild and Beautiful Death are very fast, as expected. Sadness and Hate, however, halts the pace with its ten-plus minutes of Finnish death. I found it interesting that each track is longer than the previous.
Wintersun, or Maenpaa (however you want to view it), has proven capable of producing a well-rounded album. Even though the record is not devoid of wankery, it succeeds on a variety of levels. Nevertheless, if youre on a fixed budget, your wallet citing all the other quality release this year might not have room for Wintersun.
7.5/10
Official Nuclear Blast Records website
Nuclear Blast Records October 5th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
Immediately youre going to notice influences of Children of Bodom and Dream Theater within the confines of Wintersuns self-titled debut. And, its impressive that the latter is essentially a one-man show, helmed by Maenpaa. Hahto (Rotten Sound), the only other member, contributes the drumwork.
Beyond the Dark Sun is a brief, whimsical beginning and fully illustrates the Children of Bodom alliteration in the first paragraph. The first track sets a good, fast pace as keyboards run all throughout. Various vocal styles punctuate at certain times, and the growls though typical are nicely done. Winter Madness captures the spirit of Finnish metal due to its concise harshness. The background vocalizations distinctly remind me of Borknagar and Vintersorg. The drumming in Winter Madness is frantic and flawless. By this time, you should begin to notice the masturbatory instrumentation that frequents the compositions; this phenomenon will continue to saturate the remainder of the release. Sleeping Stars slows things down, but eventually settles into a mid-paced outing. Speed invades once again as the first sounds of Battle Against Time are heard. Death and the Healing is one of the more innovative tracks on the record: melodic lulls, much differentiation, and emotional chants abound here. Starchild and Beautiful Death are very fast, as expected. Sadness and Hate, however, halts the pace with its ten-plus minutes of Finnish death. I found it interesting that each track is longer than the previous.
Wintersun, or Maenpaa (however you want to view it), has proven capable of producing a well-rounded album. Even though the record is not devoid of wankery, it succeeds on a variety of levels. Nevertheless, if youre on a fixed budget, your wallet citing all the other quality release this year might not have room for Wintersun.
7.5/10
Official Nuclear Blast Records website
Oh hell, just buy the damn thing and tell me how it works out for ya! 
