The icy cold northern regions of Sweden have spawned an act that approaches power metal in a different way than most of their colleagues. Scintillating melodies reign like snow flakes in winter and melodic interludes rule with iron hand. Winterlong has come once more, like the title indicates, to deliver a very refreshing piece of melodic power metal; a musical winter directed by the hand of song writer and guitarist Thorbjörn Englund.

What makes this album so refreshing? Well, first of all the melodies are so unique, so original. It’s wonderful to hear a band that actually tries to define their own style, and it’s even more wonderful to notice that they have succeeded. But what impresses me the most is Mistheria’s keyboard playing, whether he plays a simple background melody or a keyboard solo, it is all right to the mark. He really makes this album shine.

Since their debut album Valley Of The Lost the band has had some lineup changes and legendary Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force and Hammerfall drummer Anders Johansson is now featured on half of the songs while Andreas Lill (Vanden Plas) takes care of the other half.

Winterlong has also found a new singer in the person of Mikael Holm and he admittedly does a very good job. His voice sounds original and his reach is decent without sounding forced.

The Second Coming is simply a good album, although the production could have been slightly heavier. Nevertheless, any self respecting melodic power metal fan should check these Swedes out. Let their music carry you away, just like it carried me away. Although it is a hot summer afternoon as I sit here listening. Winterlong manages to make me long for winter once more; the cold afternoons as the icy wind burns your face, as snowflakes and darkness reign with iron hand. At least here in the land of a thousand lakes.