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Midnattsol: The Metamorphosis Melody

Symphonic Power Metal

3.75/5.0

Napalm Records
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by Craig Hartranft,  04.18.2011

Midnattsol's The Metamorphosis Melody is the third offering from this Norwegian symphonic metal band. Perhaps this album should be reviewed in the context of Leaves' Eyes latest Meredead since Midnattsol vocalist Carmen Elise Espenaes is the younger sister of Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull, and both bands are signed to the same label. Both are symphonic metal bands, however, Midnattsol trends more toward the elements of melodic heavy and power metal with lesser emphasis on folk or native motifs.

The sound of The Metamorphosis Melody can only be described as epic and lavish. Mostly this comes from Midnattsol's fine synthesis of power and symphonic metal. Most times the results are grand and profound. Kong Valemons Kamp, A Poet's Prayer, and Forvandlingen are immense numbers with clever, but not overly complex, arrangements and fine musicianship. Actually, following Forvandlingen, Motets Makt and My Re-Creation, though girded by the symphonic, rise more to epic and classic melodic metal sound. On a different side, the band can also be dark and brooding: Forlorn has a heavy melancholy feel.

Sometimes, however, Midnattsol can sound like rather average power metal with a symphonic lacquer as on the title cut or Spellbound. They also have the distraction of pushing down Carmen Elise's vocals which, otherwise, are magnificent throughout. These songs occur early on and could persuade you to retreat from listening. That would be a mistake. There's some solid and entertaining music here if you're only patient to listen.

For their third release, The Metamorphosis Melody finds Midnattsol in fine form delivering a heavier symphonic metal in grand and sweeping arrangements. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

For their third release, The Metamorphosis Melody finds Midnattsol in fine form delivering a heavier symphonic metal in grand and sweeping arrangements.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]