Origin:	Finland
Genres:

Wintersun

Vocalist/guitarist Jari Mäenpää made a name for himself playing in Ensiferum, appearing on that band's first two albums before departing to do his own thing, that being Wintersun. The self-titled debut album was done almost exclusively by Mäenpää, as he handled the vocals and all instruments save the drums (the band has now expanded to a quartet). The style is in some respects a continuation or expansion on Mäenpää's former band -- maybe two parts Ensiferum and one part Children Of Bodom, with songs ranging from more overt viking/folk numbers ("Death And The Healing", where Jari forgoes the usual harsh singing for a fine, majestic clean vocal) to more COB-ish speed metal ("Beyond The Dark Sun", "Winter Madness"). Well above average for the genre, Wintersun is a keeper.