Fans of Symphonic Metal band Midnight Eternal are possibly by now wondering where the hell the follow up to that impressive 2016 debut has got to. Well, basically this is it. After rather acrimoniously falling out with their previous vocalist the majority of the remaining Midnight Eternal musicians rather sensibly decided to simply change the band’s name rather than have a bitter lengthy fight for the rights to the name. So, a new (Ever)dawn brings a newly invigorated, refined, dynamic future for the band.
Guitarist Richard Fischer, Keyboardist Boris Zaks, and drummer Daniel Prestup are still there, as well as adding new vocalist Alina Gavrilenko, there is also the interesting addition of Symphony X bassist Mike LePond, which possibly brings a crisp, slightly more progressive edge to some of the Symphonic Metal arrangements. Alina Gavrilenko is a real find and a very competent powerful vocalist indeed who, whilst based towards the soprano end of proceedings, also utilises a much more natural singing voice for much of time, which strikes the right balance for the powerful-yet-melodic songs. As well as being note-perfect and professional, also manages to bring her own identity and personality to the tracks, something which can sometimes be lacking when a singer introduces large amounts of soprano.
“Once” era Nightwish is an obvious comparison at times, but mixed with elements of Delain, Epica, After Forever, Visions Of Atlantis and Xandria. These comparisons might seem slightly predictable in the Symphonic Metal genre, but to me they are more relevant due to the way the classy, mature songs are presented here. This isn’t a third-rate copy on offer, it’s a band with the talent and virtuosity to tempt a musician as busy and prolific as LePond into the fold, which further accentuates Everdawn’s elevation in stature since the Midnight Eternal debut. The melody lines are all there, the production, song-writing and arrangements are equally top notch. In short, if you liked Midnight Eternal, welcome to “M.E.2.0 – Everdawn”, new, improved and packed full of natural goodness.
(8/10 Andy Barker)
Leave a Reply