Midnattsol – The Metamorphosis Melody

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Whilst the German/Norwegian Midnattsol certainly have benefited from their singer’s family connections, the band have managed to pave their own way within the female-fronted metal scene. Carmen Elise Espenæs’s band might have some similarities with big sister Liv Kristine’s Leaves’ Eyes, but they are two very different beings. Carmen’s voice is much lower, not having that angelic style Liv Kristine is famous for, resulting in a much heavier sound. Whilst Midnattsol have a reputation as a female-fronted folk metal band, The Metamorphosis Melody seems to counter this reputation, opening with huge bombast on the album’s symphonic title track. The band’s third album is almost typical symphonic goth, doing away with most (though not all) of the folk influences the band might have had and gone with a more straight forward sound. The result is rather good, even if it doesn’t break any boundaries within the genre. Midnattsol make up for this by providing a much stronger and impacting set of songs than last album Nordlys. As far as singers go, Carmen does not quite have the range of some of her peers (including her sister) but still has a charming, soulful voice that flows well alongside the heavy guitars. She never overpowers the music, letting the songs carry themselves without being overwhelmed. She does get some moments to shine, such as the softer moments of Kong Valemons Kamp, the sombre folk ballad Goodbye, and the beautiful and deeply melancholic The Tide. Like label mates Battlelore and the aforementioned Leaves’ Eyes, Midnattsol are a stalwart and dependable band in the genre, perhaps never hitting the dizzying heights of excellence but always producing quality music. The Metamorphosis Melody makes for a suitably enjoyable listen and a welcome addition to the band’s catalogue.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Female-fronted, Quick.Play Reviews, Symphonic, Midnattsol