MIDNIGHT ETERNAL is a Symphonic metal band based out of New York. In March of 2014, Richard Fischer and Boris Zaks of Operatika and Mike LePond of SYMPHONY X got together and decided to record a two-song demo. They enlisted the services of vocalist Raine Hilai. It was during this recording that they soon realized that they had something magical between them and they soon became a full time band adding Greg Manning from SPIDER ROCKETS to their fold on bass duties. Since then they have shared the stage with giants like KAMELOT, DRAGONFORCE, SONATA ARCTICA, DELAIN, and QUIET RIOT among others.

"Till the Bitter End", the first track of the album, has a strong beginning and sets the tone for the rest of the album. Clocking just under four minutes, this belter of a track is backed by infectious riffs and soaring leads. "Shadow Falls", the fourth track, roars into life with a blistering lead and continues in that tempo for the rest of the song. With extensive use of backing vocals and peppered with brilliant leads, this will definitely please guitar aficionados. "The Lantern" begins with an acoustic sound that absolutely highlights the vocals of Raine Hilai. "When Love and Faith Collide" is a saga of love torn apart by faith. The vocals are ethereal and the guitar work quite competent. What separates MIDNIGHT ETERNITY from other bands dabbling in this genre is that Raine Hilai tends to keep the operatic singing to the minimum and adopts a rock/metal-ish tone, backed by some groovy riffs that definitely work in their favor. However, in some places, one gets the feeling that the words make an awkward fit with the melody. The band took about two years to record the album in its entirety. The mainstay of this talented band is Boris Zaks, who writes most of the music and Raine Hilai also contributes lyrical content. There will undoubtedly be comparison with symphonic metal bands like NIGHTWISH, EPICA and DELAIN among others but M IDNIGHT ETERNAL holds their own without a doubt.

Overall, the songs and melodies are tight and are backed by excellent musicianship. There is really nothing to dislike about MIDNIGHT ETERNAL. They are quite competent and extremely professional at their game. They are currently in the process of recording their second album. And unless you dislike symphonic metal, then my friend, you're shit outta luck!<