Twilight Ophera
Midnight Horror

May 2006
Released: 1999, Cacophonous Records (RIP)
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Asassinkiller

My first encounter with this Finnish Blackers was in 1997 when they released the great SHAWDOWS EMBRACE THE DARK. I remember buying this CD because it was released by the English Cacophonous Records, the same label that discovered Cradle and released their best CD to date, THE PRINCIPLE OF EVIL MADE FLESH. SHADOWS EMBRACE THE DARK was a kick in the face for many bands because it proved that well written mid-tempo Black Metal mixed with Thrash could be freaking interesting.



In 1999 came MIDNIGHT HORROR, a CD that started where SHADOWS EMBRACE THE DARK left off. The music was much more directed towards dark ambiences and less melody was involved. The vocals were more hate oriented and the production rawer. In fact, MIDNIGHT HORROR was recorded at the infamous Astia studios, but unfortunately for some, not for me jejeje, the production is as dirty as it can be, which in my opinion really helps the dark and hateful ambience.



MIDNIGHT HORROR opens with "Pandemonium Bizarre", a classic keyboard intro that does not bring anything new to the scene. Then, and with a blast of hatred, comes "Burning Velvet Palanquin", a song that mixes a lot of Classic Heavy Metal influences with a gothic and sensual atmosphere. "Passion´s Deviltry" is our next dark encounter and it simply rocks for its great and dark musical composition. Other great songs are "Devastation of Empyrean (Before the Dawn)" and "MidNightmare".



Of course MIDNIGHT HORRROR is not a perfect release and has its flaws. One of them is the keyboard sound. It sounds so cheesy that it could be compared to a Fisher Price keyboard, so just imagine how bad its sound really is. Also the artwork is mediocre, just take a look at the cover for yourself. But if you can get past this two minor details, I guarantee you that you are in for a dark treat!!! Stay Heavy!!!