Review Summary: Entertaining as always, and one shouldn't be surprised.
After Ravencult, this is the second time Metal Blade happily surprise me with the new addition to their roster. I was not worried that either of the two bands would change their sound just because they moved to a bigger label, and I was rewarded before with Force of Profanation, which made me eager to listen to Rebirth by Blasphemy even more than just because it's a new Midnight album. One of the most fascinating acts of the decade, which was active mainly with EPs and splits during a period of eight years (2003 to 2011) before their wonderful debut, Satanic Royalty.
During the recent years, Midnight have built a big and loyal fanbase and not in vain, as Athenar's style is too hard to miss: a darkness-fueled Motörhead mix with early Venom, obsessed with subjects like hell, Satan, blasphemy and sweet, sweet sluts, which sounds quite fresh and very entertaining for its own good. I don't know if I would stand listening to a clone of the aforementioned bands, but in this situation, most of the band's material provide you with an awesome listen, both the three full lengths and many of his mini-releases.
While listening to Rebirth By Blasphemy, the main notice is that the biggest change that has happened to Midnight is the switch to a bigger label. The album is based on the same enjoyable music, featuring plenty of heavy metal / rock'n'roll riffing and raspy vocals in the tracks and during most of the record, a very uplifting tempo. Athenar doesn't stray away from his usual lyrical themes as well, formulating a piece that will be appreciated from many old school metal fans who feel forgotten today.
I arrived very late to the party with Shox of Violence EP in 2016, while it can be observed how the band's sound and mentality has stayed at about the same spot, but at the same time I don't see any reason why it should change. Rebirth by Blasphemy starts with its two best tracks, "***ing Speed and Darkness" and the self-titled track. Both of them have exactly what I like from Midnight, awesome riffs, great vocals, memorable melodies and great structure, making it almost impossible for you not to move around a bit when they play.
The tension is not conserved throughout the whole listen, which gives me space to write about an issue I have with some of Midnight's material usually, which is the existence of filler tracks. The two following tracks "Escape the Grave" and "Devil's Excrement" are still appealing, but when "Rising Scum" kicks in, it removes all of the energy of the previous tracks and definitely one of the band moments in Rebirth by Blasphemy. "Warning for the Reaper" is half good and only saved by some well used vocals and the guitar solos, as the main musical ideas are a bit underwhelming.
This turbulence is kept with me for the whole album. "Cursed Possessions" has a solid riff but is unnecessarily repetitive, while "Raw Attack" is a great track that vibrates an 80's feel, equal to what's going on in the first part of the record. Rebirth by Blasphemy closes with another notable track "You Can Drag Me Through Fire" and saves itself from leaving a bad impression, but this is only how I see it and I really think fans will love it.
I don't know if Midnight's music will ever stagnate but for now, it is not required of them to change. It is a hell of a band, with awesome live shows and strongly entertaining elements in their music, capable of making a venue a mess. Rebirth by Blasphemy has only a few weak spots and in total, it might be praised, I don't think it's at the same level than his first couple of albums, which were pretty amazing in total, but the passion surely is still here. The new collaboration with Metal Blade should introduce a new and more successful era for the band as well, I would imagine.
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Attribution: https://www.arsoncafe.com/2020/01/midnight-rebirth-by-blasphemy.html
