MIGNIGHT, or should I say Athenar, is not an artist that likes to sit still. For the last couple of years he is touring quite a lot and on top of that hew is putting out records in an almost old-fashioned way. His latest one before this one was from 2022 and was called “Let There Be Witchery”. I reviewed it and score it 9 out of 10 on the METAL TEMPLE scale. Now, to be exact on March 8th 2024, his latest effort “Hellish Expectations” is to be let loose onto a very much anticipating world. And before you start wondering. It’s another good one!

Athenar has revealed in an interview that the whole “Hellish Expectations” album was written in a weekend, and it shows. Every song is carrying the same kind of vibe. It is a consistent and evenly paced record. If you want some references; this is like MANITOBA’S WILD KINGDOM or THE DICATAORS have encountered MC5, MOTÖRHEAD and VENOM. Short and pointy songs without frills and a very high Punk and Chaos feel. There is a very discernible sense of urgency when listening to “Hellish Expectations”, and with that comes a really welcome live feel. This could easily have ben a live recording, just without the audience.

MIDNIGHT as a one-man band knows how to impress, and the fact that “Hellish Expectations” only lasts a little over 25 minutes doesn’t deter from that at all. It only makes the intensity you hear and feel just that bit more, well, intense. I know one thing that would be lethal for us Black Metal enthusiasts; if you would put VENOM INC. and MIDNIGHT on the same bill consecutively at a festival or allow them to tour together, the death toll in the audience would be staggering. People would not be able to get a single breath in sideways on a night/day like that.

Now, “Hellish Expectations” might not display the diverse musicality of “Let There Be Witchery” or not even harbour some lighter and/or slower moments, and have 10 almost identical songs, it doesn’t mean that it gets boring or dull or repetitive. That’s where it only lasting 25 minutes makes you happy. But I can honestly say that this MIDNIGHT album “Hellish Expectations” hasn’t disappointed me one bit. The fact that I have had it on repeat for a number of hours is just the right kind of testament for that.