Midnightmares – Shadow People

Midnightmares
Shadow People
Label: Gio Smet Records
Out: October 21^st, 2024
Playing time: 58:14

Midnightmares are the brainchild of Belgian musician and producer Gio Smet and Mexican singer Mariel Gimeno. Founded in the winter of 2023.

In the shadowy realm where the boundaries between melody and melancholy blur, there emerges a symphonic gothic metal band of profound darkness and haunting beauty.

That’s the short description of the band’s sound as it can be found in the press release. But Midnightmares are not a two woman/man project, as is often the case. Other members have been found so that it is a fully-fledged band. At least for the recordings of the thirteen songs on the debut album ‘Shadow People’, which was released in October on Gio Smet’s label.

Epic choruses introduce ‘Sanctuarium’. Later, keyboard tapestries and accentuated drumming are added. Evil growls can be heard. However, the press information is silent as to who contributed them, Gio Smet or Jan Bruggeman? Both of them only provide ‘backing vocals’, but this is much more. Mariel Gimeno can convince with her very cleanly sung soprano. Hard riffs and the double bass make for a powerful sound. The title track ‘Shadow People’ starts with synth strings. Once again, guitar riffs and drumming set the rhythm and moderate tempo. Choirs provide a lot of epicness. And once again we hear the interplay of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, although this time the beast growls less angrily. The pattern of epic, sometimes bombastic choruses, clear-as-a-bell sopranos and hard riffs continues throughout the rest of the album. The tempo varies a little. The melodies, especially the vocals, are varied. ‘Leave Me With My Demons’, for example, is a little faster. On ‘Wichasha Wakan’, ritual battle chants can be heard at first. Mariel shows her vocal range. Here she is more in the mid-range of pitches. The male vocals also seem less aggressive in places. I wouldn’t expect a (power) ballad under the song title ‘Kill The Beast’. But it is. Very contemplative, with outstanding vocal leads and epic male choruses. The growls are also very discreet. On the other hand, the double bass comes to the fore on ‘Séance’. Nevertheless, we are largely in the mid-tempo range. Sacred choirs and organ playing introduce ‘I Love It When You’re Evil’. But then the rhythm section strikes again powerfully, driven by the drums and guitars. There is an interplay of growls and male clean vocals. Mariel herself often only sings in the second row here. ‘Everlasting’ is the next ballad, dominated by piano and strings. With a beautiful melody. ‘Jim ‘Reaper’ Blake’ starts with various sound gimmicks. But soon the sound is dominated by heavy riffs and drums. And Mariel sings expressively in mezzo-soprano. The male vocals are a perfect match. A strong duet. ‘In My Hands’ starts with a string introduction before the drums take over. Mariel sings partly in colouratura soprano. ‘End Of Days’ continues this seamlessly before ‘Requiem’, the next ballad dominated by choruses and strings, can be heard. The vocals caress the ears. The two-and-a-half-minute outro ‘War Bard’ is also a ballad. Once again, the beguiling vocals are accompanied by male choruses. There are also clean acoustic guitars.

‘Shadow People’ is a masterpiece of Melancholic Dark Rock. You can also recognise elements of Gothic and Metal. The band’s figurehead is clearly the vocals of Mariel Gimeno. The Mexican singer’s vocal range is extremely impressive. The album seems to be tailor-made for her. Although her musical accompaniments are by no means an accessory, they are subordinate to her vocals.

Midnightmares – Shadow People: https://youtu.be/1otaYU_AkrM?si=r-B4kJhWyrgYjEmX

Lineup:

Mariel Gimeno – Vocals
Gio Smet – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Jan Bruggeman – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
David Hugelier – Bass
Tom Skidmore – Drums

Track list:

• Sanctuarium
• Shadow People
• Leave Me With My Demons
• Wichasha Wakan
• Kill The Beast
• Séance
• I Love It When You’re Evil
• Everlasting
• Jim “Reaper” Blake
• In My Hands
• End Of Days
• Requiem
• War Bard (bonus track)