Twelve long years after Time I and we've finally got Wintersun's follow-up album, Time II! For those unaware, Time I and II were originally a double album called Time that began the recording process way back in 2006. The album was eventually split into two, with Time I coming in 2012 and Time II planned for release in 2014. That didn't happen and here we are 10 years later.
Let me put it to you this way – Time II was in the works for so long and promised to be "coming out" so many times that Wintersun's own drummer thought it was a prank when he heard the record would be released.
"Time II is an epic journey from light to darkness and back to light, exploring the universe and energy, contrasting dark stormy landscapes to calm and beautiful cherry blossom tree gardens with misty, snowy mountains that will leave you breathless," said Wintersun vocalist and guitarist Jari Mäenpää.
"It has songs with furious speed of drums, guitars, and bass and beautiful melodic slower songs with a magical exotic influence. It has massive orchestrations and choirs spiced with ancient world instruments and glimmering synths. It has Jari's soaring, clean singing contrasted with his aggressive style. It is a highly detailed and complex album where you will find new things with every listen."
The artwork for Time II was created by Cameron Gray, while the booklet was designed by Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák (lyrics, credits & thanks pages) and Onni Wiljami Kinnunen (band photos pages). Time II is available here.
