News | Guitar World Column | Interviews | Pictures | Album Reviews | Gig Reviews | Release Dates | History | Articles | Setlists | Upcoming | Contact
MIDNATTSOL: The Metamorphosis Melody (Album Review)

By Kate Wilcox

Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Review Date: April 9th, 2011
Label: Napalm

My rating:


  1. Alva
  2. The Metamorphosis Melody
  3. Spellbound
  4. The Tide
  5. A Poet's Prayer
  6. Forlorn
  7. Kong Valemons Kamp
  8. Goodbye
  9. Forvandlingen
  10. Motets Makt
  11. My Re-Creation

Nowadays there are many female-fronted gothic or folk-metal bands which make it hard to make your mark on the metal scene but Midnattsol has still managed to carve out a spot and mould their own identity. Carmen Elise's vocals are airy and warm that flow seamlessly with the music. While parts of 'The Metamorphosis Melody' are somber and dark, it seems like they have taken on more of a folk-metal feel with this one. The guitar and drums are more in the forefront which give the album more atmosphere.

"Alva" opens up very quietly with soft flute and keyboards playing off in the background and slowly builds up with symphony before Alex Kautz comes charging on guitar on the next and what is also the title track. The dual vocals come across perfectly on "Spellbound" and there is a mesmerizing rhythm that is supplied by Chris Merzinsky's double pedal drumming. "A Poet's Prayer" really caught my attention as there is some majorly intricate guitar done here and Carmen's vocals come across a lot stronger to match the more extreme parts on this track. This is one of the more melodic and stronger efforts made by Midnattsol.

"King Volemons Kamp" is another that falls in step with more and amazing guitar work by Alex. Carmen's vocals are beautiful but it's really the guitar solos and riffing that grab your attention here. "Goodbye" is one of the darker songs that give a very haunting feel with Carmen's sorrowful vocals.

"Motets Makt" rips through you with violin, shredding guitar and symphony along with Carmen's powerful operatic tone.

Midnattsol latest creation offers enough diversity to intrigue the listener into coming back for more. Folk and progressive metal fans alike will surely not want to miss out on "The Metamorphosis Melody"!

Looking for the best cable deals? Check out Cox Phoenix!