MIDNIGHT
(see also Whitespade)

"Steel, Rust and Disgust" (Metal Blade; 2025)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Despite the fact that Midnight's "Steel, Rust and Disgust" begins with an original tune entitled "Cleveland Metal," this album finds the raucous band's music adding a fat dose of punk rock to their sound. With tracks like the mouth-noisy cover of Rubber City Rebels' "Child Eaters," and covers of The Dead Boys' "Third Generation Nation" and "Agitated" by The Electric Eels, Midnight's furious metal style blends well with the uber-rawness of punk. In fact, most of this album consists of cover songs, ranging from the aforementioned bands to Kratos, Rocket from the Tombs, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and more.

That being said, fans of the band's previous metalworks shouldn't be worried. "Steel, Rust and Disgust" has plenty of the pounding metal sound and blazing guitar solos that define the band's stunning live performances. The Midnight sound is injected into each of the cover songs here and, just in case, there's a couple of original tunes as well, including the aforementioned "Cleveland Metal" and the title track, "Steel, Rust and Disgust."

Personally, I would have preferred a new album of original Midnight material, but it's only been a year since 2024's "Hellish Expectations," so I get that, too. Regardless, "Steel, Rust and Disgust" is another marble-heavy slab of rock'n'roll from one of metal's best bands, and I'll gladly take it.

For more information, check out https://totalmidnight.webs.com/.

"Hellish Expectations" (Metal Blade; 2024)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I don't know what to say about the latest album from Midnight, "Hellish Expectations," except that it did exactly what I wanted it to do: Kick my fucking ass.

"Hellish Expectations" is an explosive record of rage, speed and fury all captured in a rocketing twenty-five minutes of brain-smashing rock'n'roll. It's all furious guitars, speeding locomotive rhythms and vocals (and lyrics) that are (as the band put it) Midnight's most pissed-off yet.

My favorite tracks are the opener, "Expect Total Hell," the quick and deadly "Slave of the Blade" and the blazing "F.O.A.L." which, surprisingly enough, isn't about a young horse but instead an anacronym for "Fuck Off and Live."

There was an impossible-to-fill hole in the music world when Lemmy died in 2015 but Midnight are doing a pretty good job of filling it as far as I'm concerned. That's not surprising either, considering the most, if not all, of the members also make up Whitespade, a band that write and records in the style of Motorhead.

If I have any complaint about this recording it's that it goes by so fast. The good news is, you can start it right the hell up again!

For more information, check out https://totalmidnight.webs.com/.

"Let There Be Witchery" (Metal Blade; 2022)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

A few years ago, I saw Midnight perform at a metal festival here in Ventura, CA. Their performance was one of the top highlights of the night. The band's incredible high energy, their raging rock'n'roll, the theatricality, the musicianship ... it was a great concert experience and turned me into an instant fan.

As I listen to the band's new album, "Let There Be Witchery," I am reminded of that festival and the band's amazing performance. "Let There Be Witchery" features the same high energy level, the same driving thrash drive, that I witnessed at the show that night. It's literally impossible not to get sucked into the band's world of driving guitars, aggressive, tortured vocals and relentless rhythms.

There are ten tracks on "Let There Be Witchery" and I'd love to tell you which ones are my favorites but, I swear, every track just kicks serious ass. For the most part, the songs are high-paced thrashers but the band slows things down on "More Torment," which still crushes, and features a brief but fiery guitar solo. And I love the guitar tone of "Devil Virgin," another slower-paced track. (Please be aware I'm saying "slower" and not "slow"). If you're looking for tracks that'll take your ears off, just give a listen to "Let There Be Sodomy" or  the opener, "Telepathic Nightmare." The higher the volume, the better.

I started this review with "Let There Be Witchery" getting a solid three-and-a-half guitarsaw rating. But the album just stopped playing again (the last track is "Szex Witchery") and I realized this album deserves even better. That's a full four-star rating for a band I can't wait to hear more from ... and can't wait to see live on stage again!

For more information, check out https://totalmidnight.webs.com/.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home

Copyright © 2025 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.