Midnight - Hellish Expectations (2024)

★★★★

Not much can be said about Midnight’s sixth full-length that hasn’t been said about any of their other releases. It’s raw, it’s raucous, it’s fast and rude – what more do you want? At just barely over 25 minutes too, it’s a release that’s to the point, free from wasting your time. Delivering memorable riffs, hellish vocals, and that patented blackened speed metal sound, Midnight have once again threaded the needle between melody and grit, culminating in a quick, but devilishly charming album. Do I wish the songs were a little longer? Maybe, but given the quality of each track and their immediate punch in the face, I’m content with where the record stands. If you’re already a fan of Midnight or like other black/speed bands like Hellripper, you’d do well to give this one a spin.

FAVORITE TRACKS: "Masked and Deadly," "Slave of the Blade," "Dungeon Lust," "F.O.A.L."

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Originally published in March '24 (Issue No. 2)