Midnight Eternal | Midnight Eternal | Album Review (#40)Reissue
Midnight Eternal | Midnight Eternal
Label: Inner Wound Recordings
Release Year: 2016
Country: USA/New York
Genre : Symphonic Progressive Metal
Band Members
Raine Hilai – Lead Vocals
Richard Fischer – Guitar, Vocals
Greg Manning – Bass, Vocals
Dan Prestup – Drums
Boris Zaks – Keyboard
Contact Links
Midnight Eternal Official Website
Midnight Eternal Official Facebook Page
Midnight Eternal Official Twitter
Midnight Eternal Official Youtube Channel
Inner Wound Recordings Official Website
Inner Wound Recordings Official YouTube Channel
Band Bio Courtesy (Midnight Eternal Official Facebook Page)
Midnight Eternal is a symphonic metal band based out of New York City. It was formed in March of 2014 when two members of Operatika (Richard Fischer and Boris Zaks) invited Daniel Prestup (Rivera Bomma, Spider Rockets) and Mike LePond (Symphony X) to join them in recording a two-song demo. During the recording, the band acquired the talents of vocalist Raine Hilai based on her previous work in theater and her solo endeavor. The planned demo quickly evolved into the formation of a full-time band when it became apparent the group had something special on their hands. Shortly thereafter, Greg Manning (of Spider Rockets, Zamora) joined the band as permanent member taking over bass duties.
Shortly after releasing their demo, which featured the songs “When Love and Faith Collide” and “Masquerade of Lies”, the band began to receive numerous offers and booked a number of high caliber shows. In the years 2014 and 2015, Midnight Eternal shared the stage with Kamelot, Dragonforce, Sonata Arctica, Delain, Xandria, Doro, The Agonist and Quiet Riot, among others. Late 2015, the band hit the studio to record their debut album.
My Review
There are symphonic metal bands, power metal bands, progressive metal bands, classically influenced and trained metal musicians. Then there are bands that know how to take all those elements and disciplines and perfectly balance them into their own unique sound. This is what New York’s own Midnight Eternal have done on their self titled debut Midnight Eternal. Founded in March of 2014 Midnight Eternal have already had a crash course like multiple year veterans sharing the stage with bands such as Kamelot, Dragonforce, Sonata Arctica, Delain, Xandria, Doro, The Agonist and Quiet Riot.
It was sharing those stages and hours of rehearsals that gave the band that unique quality to forge their own sound that would manifest itself into one of the strongest debut albums I have heard in 15 years. It was if they have taken a concerto orchestra and transcribed it on to heavy guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Not like a opera but like a supporting multi piece instrumental orchestra in the supporting act of a musical.
Although the tracks seem short in length at times, the listener still has a epic listening experience through various time signatures and change progressions. The first track Till The Bitter End there are some various spoken word portions blended within the composition. Then you have a power metal clinic with track 2 Repentance . There is a anthem vibe track 3 Signs Of Fire.
There is always a hook or unpredictable harmony or melody around the corner of every track on the album. The harmonies are executed with clarity and the instrumental melodies compliment those harmonies with grace and poise. The rhythm sections and blast beats are insane and tight in some places especially on the track Shadows Fall. Midnight Eternal Midnight Eternal is definitely a band for fans of Kamelot, Blind Guardian, Delain, Nightwish and Xandria. This album gets a 4.5/5 and could be a heavy contender for Debut Album Of 2016.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_uTB-JQmTk?wmode=opaque]
Video Courtesy of (Inner Wound Recordings Official YouTube Channel)
