The Northlight (Norwegian: Nordlys) has always been a part of Myths, Stories, Sagas and Legends. Do warriors fight a bloody battle on the sky, or are these spirits of the dead playing games? Are those bands of light created by God’s fury or a sign of his protection? Maybe it’s the souls of yet-unborn children – heralds of the ancestors or the remains of fallen Warriors?
The Northlight stands for diversity, just as the new album of the German-Norwegian formation: it’s more “metal,” more diverse, and also way more folk-orientated than the debut “Where Twilight Dwells.”
Journalists have already compared it to the likes of Amorphis, Devin Townsend, Nightwish or even Iron Maiden, but one thing is for sure: a simple comparison doesn’t justify itself in the case of MIDNATTSOL – since their debut, the six-piece has created and enhanced its very own style…
Singer Carmen Elise Espenaes and guitarist Chris Hector founded MIDNATTSOL in 2002, their common ground being their mutual affection for Nordic mythology and composition. Other like-minded individuals were found in short order –drummer Chris Merzinsky, keyboardist Daniel Fischer, guitarist Daniel Droste and bassist Birgit Öllbruner – and the band recorded their first self-titled demo. The band quickly gathered fans around the underground and on the internet and also gained the attention from printed magazines, soon resulting in the band’s deal with Napalm Records.
The debut album “Where Twilight Dwells” is the astounding result of months of hard work, taking the listener on a journey through the dark, mysterious and ultimately thought-provoking Scandinavian landscape. One might be reminded of the magic of BATHORY or perhaps classic ANATHEMA, all accompanied by Carmen’s tender voice harmonizing with the epic melodies or providing well-done contrast to the harsh guitar riffs.
With “Where Twilight Dwells,” MIDNATTSOL immediately earned legions of fans amongst metalheads and Goths alike, all enchanted by the unique stylistic mix. Tours with In Extremo as well as festival appearances at Wave Gotik Treffen, Summer Breeze and The Metal Female Voices Festival followed, making MIDNATTSOL a strong force in the female-fronted metal genre right from the start.
In 2008, MIDNATTSOL finally return with their long-anticipated second album, “Nordlys.” A recording marathon in the process, Carmen Elise Espenaes recorded her vocals at Mastersound Studios (LEAVES..EYES, ELIS, BELPHEGOR) while the instruments were done with THE VISION BLEAK mastermind Markus Stock at Klangschmiede E Studios (DORNENREICH, EMPYRIUM). Tue Madsen (GOREFEST, SIRENIA), one of Europe’s leading sound engineers, cared for the mix, and the infamous MIKA JUSSILA (AMOPRHIS, NIGHTWISH, FINNTROLL) at Finnvox Studios guaranteed a great mastering.
The four guys revolving around the two blonde beauties have developed further to emphasize emotion and melody more than ever before, but without forgetting to add a good dose of heaviness in their latest songs that alternate between fast attacks and gentle ballads. Nordic myths and tales told by the gentle and charming voice of Carmen Elise Espenæs give the album the perfect finishing touch. Allow the Northern Lights to sweep you away and charm you to your heart's content.
The Bonus track on the Limited Edition was written for the charismatic clean voice of AHAB singer Daniel Droste. Fans of classic Borknagar or new Moonsorrow surely will enjoy this.
So check out the new album NORDLYS, soon – and make sure to get the limited edition as a digipack with bonus-song!
The webspace Pedra de Metal exists to support the bands that want to see their work published. We intend to not only show the most recent work of the bands already accredited, but we mainly promote the work of the band who are just beginning, and support that beginning. Here's what we do for bands: - Announcement of the concert posters - Announcement of new merchandising - Announcement and update of the album's - Detailed analysis of CDs, Promo CDs, EPs, etc edited - Interviews Here is the email that we have available for contact pedrademetal@gmail.com The bands can count on us. Please visit www.pedrademetal.blogspot.com
Thank you very much for the Link Up & Sharing the music Nice to meet you through cyberlink! Keep up da Great Work! Wishes you All the Best in 2009! Enjoy your Week
Secrets of binding spirits, Free in the grace of swept tears, Laced with joy in golden showers, A cup of liquid to the wine vapours.
Secrets of leisures pleasured furtive, In my heart in silver thread, Silken bound gossamer forged in forbidden light, Laced with joy in golden rain, A cup of honey fermented again...
Lower the heart rate with a temple throbbing, Seared in sealed remorse, Gods in the entwinned candle flames, Rasping chortled vocalised, A rune in echo, Its hearts are beating, The tears of anguish release the pain, Lingered languid kiss of night, Swept in gales of emotional bliss.
Clasped inside a being not seen, The flesh is only one life... Eternity brings an awakened dawn, Over the hills of sensual time...
Quicken the heart in tune with some beaten drum, Enveloped by love so true. A sex so sacred ...her cup of goddess,
Licking with my soul-tongue, Lolling with dripping yearning hot, Fires inside all my aura-body, Swirling with magic of my earth.
Wept with dews so squirting fountain, Swept inside a chaos of lust, Against her firm breast mountain, Kept a secret of love's risen from ashen dust!
Listen carefully to your wisdom, It wants, It loves, It gives, It is!
Secrets of binding spirits, Free in the grace of swept tears, Laced with joy in golden showers, A cup of liquid to the wine vapours.
Pictures of Midnattsol performing live at the Metal Female Voices Fest 2009 are now available at www.myspace.com/deadlypix. Feel free to download them. More to be added soon. Cheers !
Thanks for the add, please visit our site for reviews http://www.mundorockheavy.blogspot.com and let us know if you’re interested to review your band. Since october with radio show Mundo Rock through Radio Joven 91.5 FM at Chile, www.fmjoven.com for listening on line ¡¡¡ Let us know if have some problems to hear the on line signal please, since still is on "white march"