I've been thinking about making this pole for a while ever since I came across a few interesting posts on the Wintersun comment board for their self titled debut album. Now, after some friendly debating, I decided to make this poll, to see what Metalstorm feels about these two talented guitarists, and how they compare to each other.

First we have Jari Mäenpää, hailing from Helsinki, Finland. He is the main songwriter, lead guitarist, and vocalist for Wintersun. To date, Wintersun has released one full length album, and while he was with Ensiferum, he contributed to two albums.

His opponent for this match is Angus Young from Glasgow, Scotland. He is the lead guitarist, back-up vocalist, and songwriter for the legendary hard rock band AC/DC. He has played on numerous albums throughout the years, no fewer than three or four I'm sure we all know.

Now, basically, this is a battle of skill. Some might say that you can't compare then, but I think you most definitely can. They're both two very competent guitarists, albeit different playing styles, but no two guitarists have the same.

Things to look for in their songwriting and person would be technical ability, how memorable their riffs are, how emotional you feel their solos are, how much you think they influence others with their skill, and anything else you think you'd like to throw in there.

Personally, while both guys are great, I just don't think Wintersun if everything that people make them out to be. Unfortunately for them, fanboys often make me dislike this band more than I should, but it's usually the all too often parallels I find in their music to say, Children of Bodom and Norther. Jari Mäenpää is very talented, as can be noted, but not very original in my opinion, and I just don't feel you could say he has explored all of his skills so far on the little material he has been a part of, to my knowledge.

Angus Young, while being part of a band that I'm not a huge fan of, still deserves respect out the ass from not only the rock and metal communities, but from the music communities as a whole. He's been at it for 30+ years, and still seems like he's going strong. Age certainly doesn't stop him, as I remember when I say their 'Live at Donnington' DVD, I was amazed how this guy was kicking it for hours on end. The best part about him, besides his stage presence, is his memorable songwriting skills, not to mention that damn blues influence! Yes, he's had a lot more years to write those, but you'll notice most of the most memorable AC/DC music was written during the first years.

My decision is for Angus Young. He knows how to write music that people will remember for years to come. His material over the years has proven his place among music's elite rockers, and he obviously has a lot more staying power. Jari Mäenpää is very talented indeed, but I suppose just not my cup of tea.

Please, enjoy.