Wintersun Offer Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Orchestrals for New Album

Jari Mäenpää’s behind-the-scenes look has given a detailed breakdown of some of the main orchestral arrangements that sit behind the riffs in one of the new songs on the record.

A Dark, Futuristic Sound

According to Mäenpää, the song starts with a dark and futuristic riff that still dials in on the melodic sound Wintersun is known for. 

The guitars are tuned to drop B-flat, and the orchestral arrangements introduce new chord voicings that layer the riff, significantly changing the character. The preview starts with a six-track orchestral pad, featuring sustained strings, first and second violin melodies, and stereo synth layers. Rather than following and doubling the guitars, the orchestration introduces new harmonies.

Mäenpää has taken a unique approach by using unusual rhythmic phrasing because the guitar riff has a polyrhythmic, progressive structure.

Four-track synth arpeggios are used to build intensity, including left and right stereo synth textures and a primary arpeggiated synth.

The final layer includes dozens of cinematic effects, which drive the impact home. Some of them include timpani hits, orchestral snare drums, anvil strikes, and dragon ensemble percussion. Choir whispers and French horn accents are used to add dimension, along with pitch-bending electronic textures.

The idea is to give fans insight into how much work goes into creating Wintersun albums, as well as using guitars and keyboards; arrangements use dozens of layered orchestral and electronic elements to build atmosphere and tension. Wintersun have been historically known for their big productions, and when albums are released, Mäenpää often offers isolated tracks for fans.

You can find the isolated tracks for the Time II album here.

As the master files are included, at 24-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV, fans are given the chance to see how Wintersun songs are composed and crafted. Fans are also able to use the tracks to make their own mixes.

Fans of the Forest Seasons album can also find the isolated tracks on the Wintersun website.

With each new behind-the-scenes clip helping to build anticipation for the next Wintersun album, we can expect cinematic orchestrations blended with Mäenpää’s signature precision.

Image: DragonOfWisdom (CC BY-SA 4.0)