Midnightmares – Mortalis

Midnightmares
Mortalis
Label: Gio Smet Records
Out: October 4^th, 2025
Playing time: 49:12

The Gothic Rock band Midnightmares was formed in the winter of 2023 by Belgian musician and producer Gio Smet and Mexican singer Mariel Gimeno. As with “Shadow People” (2024), the two are not pursuing solo careers, with an obviously quite stable lineup. Only the bassist has been replaced.

“Consors Diaboli” starts quietly with synth sounds and sacred chants. Then you hear the beguiling soprano of Mariel Gimeno. Strings kick in, supported by hard drumming. There is a lot of epic bombast to be heard. After about two and a half minutes, the heavy guitars kick in. And you can really enjoy the soprano. The drums really drive the song forward, always accompanied by epic choruses, but also by banging riffs. In “Hellcoaster,” we also hear a short introduction with a diabolical-sounding laugh. Then it becomes highly melodic. Mariel soars to high pitches and Gio Smet contributes slightly harsher vocals. Later, screams can be heard that could come from the depths of hell. And the hellish laugh also concludes this song. Drums, percussion, and organ introduce “Insanity Express.” This song is very rhythmic and is characterized by the interplay of crystal-clear and evil growls. In addition, there are very cleanly sung coloraturas. Mariel fully exploits her vocal diversity. In contrast, her vocals on “Mortalize” seem almost fragile. There are also clear male vocals. I suspect that Ralf Scheepers from Primal Fear can be heard as the vocal partner. First, a beautiful ballad can be heard, which transitions into a grand anthem. “Blasphemia” also starts off quietly. But soon things really get rocking, with roaring guitars and epic keyboards. The guitar solo then returns to calmer territory. Acoustic guitars and strings introduce “I Wonder Why.” It’s a mostly calm and contemplative string ballad with a few heavier sections, but it still comes across as balladic and melodic. Mariel sings in the highest notes once again. At the beginning of “The Executioner,” dark guitar chords and spoken words can be heard, accompanied by strings. Then heavily distorted guitar riffs kick in and the interplay between “Beauty and the Beast” is perfectly celebrated. Tempo and rhythm changes provide a strong progressive edge. Beautiful melodies alternate with disharmonies. The drums are sometimes hectic and then calm and accentuated again. At the beginning of “Ziggurat,” the drums are once again in the foreground, joined by heavy riffs and epic keyboards. Gio Smet’s growls accompany Mariel Gimeno’s soprano. “Soul To Flesh” starts with a chiming sound, followed by riffing, epic choruses, and rhythmic drums. Later, the drums drive the song forward in places. Some sound effects and clear guitar chords introduce the final song, “Totus Ardeo.” Then heavy guitar riffs dominate again. Clear soprano, some growls, and spoken words alternate.

Mortalis features a pleasant mix of Dark Rock, Gothic, and Metal. Midnightmares have managed to maintain the high standard set by their debut album. Of course, Mariel Gimeno’s outstanding soprano voice takes center stage here too. Gio Smet once again succeeds in showcasing the singer’s talents on this album.

Lineup:

Mariel Gimeno – Vocals, Additional Keyboards
Gio Smet – Guitars, Vocals
Jan Bruggeman – Keyboards
Bart Jacquet – Bass
Tom Skidmore – Drums

Track list:

• Consors Diaboli
• Hellcoaster
• Insanity Express
• Mortalize
• Blasphemia
• I Wonder Why
• The Executioner
• Ziggurat
• Soul To Flesh
• Totus Ordeo