Back in May 2019, MIDNIGHT PRIEST dropped a totally epic album, that I have only now discovered and decided to share my thoughts on. Out now via Metal On Metal Records. Time for some Traditional Heavy Metal!
The first thing I noticed was the blend of bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest but also some Mercyful Fate among the influence of the bands sound. With creepy horror aesthetics and piercings vocals over a blend of ripping melodic leads and roaring galloped riffs, all with some killer upbeat drum work, there is a maddeningly catchy and enjoyable feeling to this music. The songwriting and production are utterly superb with a clear vision and energetic drive from the band that leaves every second impactful and memorable. With a huge boom in the “NWOTHM” bands, it is really exciting to see some bands stand out more, with these guys being more in the same camp as Portrait and Attic than that of Haunt or Savage Master or Screamer (the list could go on). As much as I love those latter bands, the prior two grabbed my attention more with the King Diamond vibes that come out in the music, which is definitely present here while blended carefully with more famously classic bands such as those I mentioned at the start. The pounding instrumentals maintain a consistently tireless approach with enormous amounts of energy while the soaring lead work really ups the ante, definitely allowing the instruments to keep up with the insane “Halford-esque” vocal performance. This is some truly astounding Heavy Metal, plain and simple and even better because of it. As with a couple of my recent and belated reviews, this is another record not to sleep on like I did. -9/10
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