Finland's Wintersun, yet another band from a cold climate European country, create complex and layered Black Metal. Drawing parallels to orefathers like Bathory not only in the fact that the bands creativity and musicianship comes from primarily one person, but also in the music itself.

The first cut "Beyond the Dark Sun", delivers like a Children of Bodom arrangement the way keyboards and soloing are used, vocals as well. Actually the style of vocals and guitar melodies feel much like a Children composition. Track number two incorporates Neoclassical guitar scales Yngwie Malmsteen fans will surely appreciate and has a very energetic drive.

Things are slowed down for "Sleeping Stars" which I hear Dimmu Borgir in the use of keyboard sound and how it is applied to the piece. "Death and the Healing" has clean vocals throughout and probably is one of the stronger songs in terms of its focus. A simpler song, less complicated, even when you hear the vocals it's like a different band behind the tune.

As well as the variety in choice of music direction and sounds, moments of chanting, clean vocals, and Folk sounds also get thrown in. Granted, all these elements are good and make for an interesting listen. I do find, as with others who decide to write in this vein, too much, can become too much which has happened here. A little less would serve as more I think.