(STORMSPELL RECORDS SSR-DL37 / MCD´2009) PORTUGAL
It´s unusal that an US label signed up a Portugal based traditional classic Heavy Metal band. Seems that there must be something special on this Lisabon based quintett. Of course it is... !!! Close in the tradition to such old heroes of the portuguese scene as V12, TARANTULA, CASABLANCA and REBELLION offers us their debut a fine branch of traditional classic Heavy Metal. The titletrack RAINHA DA MAGIA NEGRA (KING OF THE BLACK MAGIC) opens the reign with a raw edged IRON MAIDEN type running number. Beside the really good instrumental work impress me there also the good vocalist. By the way all their tracks are in their native language portuguese. No matter this language sounds good. In some moments remembers me the band also on such cult brazilian legends as as PRELLUDE or SPARTACUS too. JUIZO FINAL (THE LAST GAME) follows in a similar impressive tradition. More outstanding classic Heavy Metal delivers us then the great LENDA VIVA (LEGEND OF LIFE). Another running number with a fantastic lead guitar is NUMA CAMPA DE CRISTAL. Yep, I´ve see a future in my crystal ball for this original metal followers. Marching and grinding midtempo metal is the best describition for ARMADA DE NOITE (ARMADA OF THE NIGHT). But in his follow chance the speed and this cut surprise beside some JUDAS PRIEST alike riffs with any uptemp parts too. A long instrumental part in the style of the good old NWOBHM is the first part of the epos O CONDE (THE LORD). Together with the swearing voice of their singer works this brilliant metal tune perfect. My only critic on this good debut is the short playtime of not nearly thirty minutes. Hopefully isn´t this mini album the only release of MIDNIGHT PRIEST. We all would appreciate a further fullength release in the future. Take a look at http://www.myspace.com/midnightpriest and of course at the website of their recordcompany http://www.stormspell.com where you can order this on thousand hand numbered units limited album. articel by Gerald Mittinger
http://metalgerald.wetpaint.com/page/REVIEWS+-M-
