Search - Midnattsol :: Where Twilight Dwells

A destined classic

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 05/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently came across an advertisement for "Where Twilight Dwells" in a recent issue of Outburn magazine. The ad described Midnattol's music as Nordic folk metal. The ad also mentioned that the lead singer is the sister of Liv Kristine of Leave's Eyes. I was automatically intrigued and had to hear Midnattol's album. Before I bought the cd, I listened to some samples of the cd at my local record store. I immediately fell in love with what I heard so I bought the cd right away. The standout track has to be the 7 minute epic "Tapt Ao Håp". The band uses the melody to Edward Greig's "Solvo Greig" (something close to that title). The ballads



Contrary to what the advertisement described "Where Twilight Dwells" as, the album is more metal than folk. There are only three songs on the album that are folk-orientated.It is easily one of the best albums to come out of the goth-metal genre (next to Elis' "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky"). Alexander Krull who produced Elis' recent album also produces "Where Twilight Dwells". It is evident in the music because the guitars are placed upfront. The heavier songs borders on thrash but with Carmen's intoxicating vocals, she gives an angelic sound to the songs. The ballads "Unpayable Silence" and "Enlightment" are other highlights on the cd. All the songs on the cd are excellent. One of the best goth-metal albums of 2005.



Napalm Records is quickly becoming one of my favorite record labels with their choices in goth-metal bands that they sign."

Metal mixed with folk music can work. Just not very well her

Ben Stubbs | Australia | 05/21/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There's one reason and one reason alone that I was very interested to hear Midnattsol's debut album "Where Twilight Dwells", and it was because Liv Kristine's sister Carmen Elise Espanaes has the vocal duties for the band. Now I'm a huge fan of Liv's work with Theatre of Tragedy and later Leaves' Eyes, so I was curious to hear whether the talent was genetic or unique.



Unfortunately, things have not turned out the way I had hoped as this is mediocre folk influenced gothic metal that doesn't really interest me at all. As far as Carmen goes, there are occasions when she slightly resembles her awesome sister's vocal talent, but most of the time she falls way short. In fact, there are some highly cringe-worthy moments here, but it's not entirely Carmen's fault. Some of the lyrics are truly atrocious, and the music itself is pretty average as well, so she's on a hiding to nothing. I don't really have a problem with folk music's infiltration of metal, but when it's done poorly, it becomes quite embarrassing. They may be trying to achieve atmosphere over quality musicianship here, but there's nothing original or inspiring enough to make me pay attention.



Most critics seem to be receiving Midnattsol's release at the same time as label-mates Draconian's latest album "Arcane Rain Fell". It probably doesn't help Midnattsol's cause that Draconian's doom/death album is far superior to this and makes it look pretty bad in comparison.



There are a couple of tracks that stop me from completely panning it and make me believe that Midnattsol could possibly do something decent, but I'm pretty sure "Where Twilight Dwells" will struggle to find itself in my CD player in the future. If you still want to give it a shot after reading this, then I suggest you check out my local 2nd hand record store. You'll be in with a shot!"