Winterborn - Farewell to Saints
Massacre Records
Power Metal
10 songs (55:43)
Release year: 2008
Winterborn, Massacre Records
Reviewed by Thomas

This has to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2009 for me. Since their debut, which may be the best power meal debut I have heard in recent memory, I have been waiting and waiting for another Winterborn-record to blow me away. I was really happy when this showed up in the mail last week, and couldn’t wait to put it in my stereo. Since their debut three years ago, the band has gone through some major changes. They’ve replaced both their drummer and their bassist, as well as adding a new guitarist and firing and replacing their management. Cold Reality received astounding critics from all over the world when it was released. It was written that it was the best power metal album to come out of Finland since Ecliptica, so I guess I’m not the only one who went into this with major expectations. I know the band has worked really hard to complete this, and I bet they’re really excited to finally have it out in Europe even though it was released in Japan late in 2008. The only catch is that this isn’t as good as Cold Reality

…Not even remotely close. It should be said that this is a much darker Winterborn, without the lively melodies that coloured their last one so brightly. I suspect that this is a concept album surrounding the Second World War, and especially the fights between Russia and Finland. The atmosphere is fitting at least, but it’s clear that they have taken a blind path, not knowing what to do or how to fulfill the quest they have taken with burning ambition. Because this is surprisingly weak, and it is pretty sad considering that these guys have so much talent that goes to waste here. There are barely particles left of what made their debut so awesome. It’s a shame really, how they have not been able to continue to build on the foundation they established with Cold Reality, and instead have fallen into the completely mediocre puddle of this genre. This is not by any means terrible, as at least the vocals are somewhat better, as well as the guitar-work being pretty stellar. However, nothing about it will grab your attention in the way Wildheart, New Dawn or the incredible On the Edge of Eternity did. Their sense of catchy and compelling melodies, progressive stylings and creative drumming has faded away into bleak and boring songs, unbelievably simplistic riffing and mindless song-writing.

The only tune that slightly convinces me that these guys still know how to write good songs is The Winter WarWell that’s until the end when the brainless gun-rattling starts and ruins the only respected moment on here. Another thing that turns out positively is the new bassist who creates some sprawl with his technically slick playing. Anyway, assuming that this is a rather thin attempt on making a concept album, I strongly suggest that they leave that behind for their next release, and start heading back towards the enlightened path they already know. I don’t know what has caused this, whether it’s the departure of some members, the addition of others or just a total miss on the goals they aimed for and wanted to achieve. While this isn’t horrifying, it is nothing that will remain in your CD-player for much longer than half a spin. My tip is to stick with their debut, and pretend that this didn’t come out. Major disappointment.

Killing Songs :
Thomas quoted 50 / 100
Other albums by Winterborn that we have reviewed:
Winterborn - Cold Reality reviewed by Thomas and quoted 77 / 100
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