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MIDNIGHT
Hellish Expectations
Metal Blade Records

In Rock & Roll folklore you can read stories of the colossal mega-bands taking years and spending millions of dollars recording an album then having said album not come anywhere to meeting the lofty expectations that the time and money would warrant. That's one end of the spectrum. And on the other hand, you have a band like MIDNIGHT, the 1-man aural wrecking machine that puts out at least an album every year and then tours relentlessly to bring his Black Rock & Roll to the masses. To that end MIDNIGHT is one of the most prolific bands in Metal today. Led by Athenar, the cellar dwelling miscreant, his latest batch of skullcrushing sonnets continues the fine twisted tradition that you've come to love and loathe. 2024's sonic shredding comes in the form of Hellish Expectations. And this one, unlike some of the past discography hits you like a Nate Diaz punch to the temple. 10 songs clocking in at a no second wasted 26 minutes!! Like SLAYER's Reign In Blood, the furious aggression is like an 80's one night stand. Fast, hard, and then gone before you realize it.

The album starts off with a riff, scream and then into the bludgeoning of "Expect Total Hell". A brain bashing opener that is the perfect lead-in to the oncoming storm. As Athenar proclaims, "Expect no quarter, expect no mercy". And he ain't lyin'! The subtly titled "Gash Scrape" starts with a little distortion, and then the punk tinged pummeling begins. "Masked And Deadly" could be the speedy call to arms of what MIDNIGHT is. "Slave To The Blade" slows things down a smidge for the whiplash to take effect. "Dungeon Lust" is a mid-tempo basher that has a slight VENOM feel to these ears. An air guitar favorite right there. "Nuclear Savior" gets back to thrashing lest you think your neck might survive the album from start to finish. "Deliver Us To Devil" is not a MIDNIGHT take on EXODUS, but a barnburner cut that's more kin to the UK's BROKEN BONES than the Bay Area legends. "Mercyless Slaughtor" is a muscular dirge that reminds me of Canada's SLAUGHTER at their peak power! Outstanding track! "Doom Death Desire" gets right back to ball bashing glory and is classic MIDNIGHT. Should fit in nicely to the Live playlist. "FOAL" was the 'single' and the video taster for the album initially. And it sums up the album as a whole. Fuck Off And Live so you can revel in the glorious racket of MIDNIGHT for years to come. And in a world of shit like we live in now, that's about as comforting as it's gonna get.

If you're a MIDNIGHT 'Violator' then this will cream your jeans. If you're looking for angry, aggressive music but can't take the FIVE FINGER DICK PUNCH wankery, then this is your huckleberry. If you're a Swifty, get the fuck outta here. MIDNIGHT is about as far away from that shite as you can get, as it should be.

And of course there is Vinyl aplenty for all you Violators out there. Multiple colours for all your collecting needs. Order now or FOAD.

4.8 Out Of 5.0 Skulls