Nordlys ("Northern Light" in Norwegian) is the second full-length studio album by the German symphonic/folk metal band Midnattsol. It was released on 28 March 2008 through Napalm Records.[5]
| Nordlys | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 28 March 2008 | |||
| Recorded | Klangschmiede Studio E, Mellrichstadt, Mastersound Studios, Fellbach, Germany | |||
| Genre | Gothic metal, symphonic metal, folk metal | |||
| Length | 50:01 | |||
| Language | English, Norwegian | |||
| Label | Napalm | |||
| Producer | Markus Stock, Alexander Krull, Thorsten Bauer | |||
| Midnattsol chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| About.com |   [1] |
| Lords of Metal | (82/100)[2] |
| Metal Temple |   [3] |
| Sea of Tranquility | [4] |
Background
editAfter three years of the release of their well-received debut album Where Twilight Dwells (2005), Midnattsol decided change direction and to compose an album with dark atmospheres in a melodic and heavy sound, influenced more closely by traditional gothic metal. In contrast, Nordlys is little inspired by Nordic folk metal and it is less introspective that its predecessor.
Particularly noteworthy is the experimentation in the vocals of their lead singer Carmen Elise Espenæs, as well as the extensive dedication in the guitar solos of Daniel Droste and Christian Hector. However, Hector (a founding member), left the group shortly after the release of the album in order to concentrate on his other band Ahab, being briefly replaced by Fabian Pospiech in the three live performances that made Midnattsol in Europe to promote the album.
Track listing
editAll lyrics are written by Carmen Elise Espenæs, except on "Octobre" by Christian Hector; all music is composed by Midnattsol
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Open Your Eyes" | 5:43 |
| 2. | "Skogens lengsel" ("The Forest's Longing") | 5:04 |
| 3. | "Northern Light" | 6:19 |
| 4. | "Konkylie" ("Seashell") | 8:13 |
| 5. | "Wintertime" | 5:17 |
| 6. | "Race of Time" | 5:40 |
| 7. | "New Horizon" | 2:51 |
| 8. | "River of Virgin Soil" | 5:37 |
| 9. | "En natt i nord" ("A Night in the North") | 5:17 |
| 10. | "Octobre" (limited edition bonus track) | 4:42 |
| Total length: | 54:43 | |
Personnel
editMidnattsol
edit- Carmen Elise Espenæs – Vocals
- Birgit Öllbrunner – Bass & Acoustic Bass
- Daniel Droste – Lead Guitar & Acoustic Guitar & Vocals
- Christian Hector – Rhythm Guitar & Acoustic Guitar
- Daniel Fischer – Keyboards
- Chris Merzinsky – Drums & Percussion
Production
edit- Markus Stock - producer, engineer
- Alexander Krull, Thorsten Bauer - producers and recording engineers of vocals
- Tue Madsen - mixing
- Mika Jussila - mastering
- Ingo Römling - artwork
- Jens Howorka - photography
References
edit- ^ Bowar, Chad. "Midnattsol - Nordlys". Heavy Metal. About.com. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
- ^ Matthijssens, vera. "Theatre of Tragedy - Storm review". Lords of Metal.nl. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
- ^ Papadopoulos, Harry (9 May 2008). "Midnattsol - Nordlys (CD)". Metal Temple.com. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
- ^ Pierce, Ken; Pardo, Pete (16 April 2008). "Midnattsol: Nordlys". Sea of Tranquility.org. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
- ^ "Midnattsol Confirm New Album Release Date". metalunderground.com. 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-12-14.