Review: Midnight Bring it Back to the Bare Essentials with Hellish Expectations
In a world where metal can be incredibly complex and nuanced when it comes to genre labels, there’s something to be said for straightforward, classic, and grimy heavy metal. And that’s exactly what Midnight are determined to keep delivering.
Hellish Expectations, the sixth full-length album by the one-man heavy metal band spearheaded by Athenar, will be released on March 8 through Metal Blade Records.
Unlike the approach most bands take, constantly pushing towards unattainable perfection, Midnight realize that the best approach is straightforward and clear. Inspired by listening to the raw recordings of past albums, Athenar was inspired to get even more in touch with his roots. And that really shows on this ripper of a record.
From start to finish, this album is a banger. There are no songs to be skipped, and the sleaziness of the vocals and lyrics is, as always, a huge seller of the album as well. Even the video below has parental controls on it, so that should give you an idea of the sleaze levels we’re dealing with.
Kicking things off, “Expect Total Hell” is a high-energy opener setting the tone with fast d-beat drumming, distorted guitars, and aggressive vocals. Following up on that, the aggressively titled “Gash Scrape” maintains the intensity with pummeling drums, a relentless guitar riff, and scorching vocals. It’s a great kick-off to the album. This sets the tone for a seriously bangin’ record, and the rest does not disappoint.
Throughout the album, the tone and pace changes a bit, but the heavy ethos and raw energy remain consistent and powerful. There aren’t really any surprises, but in the case of Midnight, that’s a good thing.
Further on in the record, “Dungeon Lust” employs a slower tempo compared to other tracks, creating a more ominous atmosphere with heavy riffs and guttural vocals. That key pivotal point takes the record in a more doomy, punk direction and chnges the tempo a bit. Next, “Nuclear Savior” returns to the fast-paced d-beat style with intense drumming and a catchy guitar riff that drives the song forward.
“Deliver Us to Devil,” which brings back the satanic grooves with solos and layered riffs underpinned by a powerful drumbeat and forceful vocals. One of the most memorable tracks on the record, “Doom Death Desire” offers a slightly different structure with a slower build-up and tempo shifts, creating a sense of anticipation before unleashing the full force of the band’s sound.
For those who like their metal raw and ripping, stripped back with zero pretense, this is the record for you.
Midnight’s Hellish Expectations is set for release on March 8 via Metal Blade Records, though you can preorder your copy today.
