The kind of record history teachers should buy - A review of Midnattsol's The Aftermath

Midnattsol's The Aftermath is the first record of the German-Norwegian quintet since former Leaves' Eyes singer Liv Kristine joined her sister Carmen Elise Espenæs last year. I expected a clever use of the two distinctive vocalists but the new material didn't meet my expectations in that regard. 

However, this album has other notable strengths. It convinces with many slow, almost doom metal inspired passages that give the record a hypnotizing and mysterious atmosphere. In combination with occasional epic folk sounds and haunting piano melodies as well as dreamy vocals, The Aftermath has a truly unique style.

When I realized the band would cover Swedish medieval ballad ''Herr Mannelig'', I wasn't looking forward to hearing another version of this song that had been covered by many bands like Garmarna, Haggard and In Extremo. Midnattsol's version is however really unique with a length above nine minutes, developing an epic and hypnotizing atmosphere with smoothly employed melodies and the occasional use of mellow background growls.

The Aftermath is a record that unfolds if you are feeling relaxed and willing to spend some time to let this atmospheric, coherent and intellectual record grow on you. You will discover an album filled with lyrics in multiple languages, numerous folk melodies and inspiring tales of yore. This is the kind of record history teachers should buy.

Final rating: 75%