Where Twilight Dwells

Midnattsol

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 5, 2005)
• Original Release Date: April 5, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Napalm
• ASIN: B0006Z1ZNU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #167,114 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The German/Norwegian quintet, Midnattsol, delivers their long awaited debut album Where Twilight Dwells. Incorporating Scandinavian legends, the band crafts their impressive tracks, charmingly sung by Carmen Elise Espanaes (sister of Liv Kristine, of Leaves' Eyes fame). Through gentle ballads and fast free-flowing pieces, Midnattsol revives the mythos of the North. Beautiful Rock/Metal that will certainly appeal to fans of Lacuna Coil, Leaves Eyes etc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A destined classic, May 2, 2005

By	Erica Anderson (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly great album, August 17, 2005

By	Kieran Tieran "little dark one" (Derry, Eire) - See all my reviews

This is an amazing album that more than holds its own against both Leaves Eyes albums(which is quite a compliment). Carmen Elise has a beauitful voice quite similar to her sister Liv Kristine(leaves eyes), but a little deeper and more earthly. I love each song on this album and i just hope Midnattsol get the recognition they truly deserve.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very nice listen.. looking forward to the follow-up!, December 21, 2007

By	A Kat Person (Bay Area) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

I'm surprised by the negative reviews here. This is a really nice, pleasant and somewhat unusual gothic-folk metal mix. Pretty good compositions, and a beautiful soft sound. Maybe folk metal fans don't like the gothic sound? Or gothic metal fans don't like the folky-ness? Ah well, you can't please everybody. As a fan of both genres, I appreciate the mix. While it's not a 5-star album (ie it's nice enough but doesn't have the 'oomph' required for the 5 stars)it is a great debut, and something I can see listening to regularly.

I also disagree with those who don't like the vocals. It is a matter of taste. On the one hand, I generally prefer operatic vocals (ie Tarja). On the other hand, I realize that few have that skill, and when a female singer sings "straight," I much rather prefer when she sings softly rather than dramatically as is usually the case with goth metal. Sure, I guess maybe Carmen doesn't have huge range, but it's not always needed. Not everything needs to sound over-emotional and melodramatic. I really love Carmen's singing; her voice sounds soft, comforting, beautiful, and peaceful. I realize maybe that's not what is commonly expected of a metal vocalist, but seeing as there is quite a lot of folky softness in this album, I think it works just right!