MIDNIGHT

MIDNIGHT     ‘Steel, Rust And Disgust’

By Theron Moore

Cleveland’s favorite sons of filth encrusted, blackened, heavy metal released their newest platter of destruction titled, ‘Steel, Rust And Disgust,’ May 23 via Metal Blade Records and it’s not an original work, it’s a collection of cover songs. 

Before you decide to throw MIDNIGHT’s mastermind, Athenar, up on the nearest cross, cool your jets for a hot second. This album rocks and it rocks fucking hard. Athenar states, “I just wanted to record some songs by bands who shared the same sights, sounds, and sewage of my region of birth.” Mission accomplished, oh king of darkness. 

The song selections are cool and add an extra musical dimension to MIDNIGHT I don’t think any of us, outside the band’s inner circle, has been privy to before. ‘Steel, Rust And Disgust’ leans more toward the punk rock side of the house and less toward the familiar MOTORHEAD meets VENOM approach (exception: “Cleveland Metal”). Hell, MIDNIGHT even throws in a little DAVID ALLEN COE to mix it up a bit. But the eclectic method to his madness works, it pays off big.

The band’s approach to musical destruction has not changed, MIDNIGHT merely elongated and widened it a bit and best of all, not only does it offer insight into the artistic leanings of the band, it fucking rocks. ‘Steel, Rust And Disgust’ is a certified ripper.

Highlights include the semi shocking “Child Eaters,” “Cleveland Metal,” and “Black Leather Rock.” Whether it’s punk or metal or the fusion of both styles, MIDNIGHT are at the top of their game here. Hoping to catch this band live this year or the next. ‘Steel, Rust And Disgust’ is a must buy. 

4/5 Doc Martens