MIDNIGHT – Shox Of Violence CD

Originally released as a four track EP at the end of 2016, this latest version of Shox of Violence sees the addition of twenty-one tracks; mostly in the form of cover songs, live tracks, and a handful of demos. Basically these extra tracks have turned the release into the band’s fourth compilation album, which means Cleveland’s sleaziest blackened speed metal band now has twice as many compilations as full length albums.

The four EP tracks, for which the compilation is named, show Midnight in fine form. Fast paced speed metal riffing, with more than a tinge of punk rock aesthetic, provide a rampaging backing for Athenar’s rabid shouts. The double kick percussion, taken from the book of Philthy Phil Taylor, and the thumping bass lines thunder along, and every so often a few quick, yet solid solos fill the air. What follows, though, is a slew of tracks cycling through Midnight’s past few years, along with a barrage of cover tracks and live offerings. While a lot of the tracks have been previously released on limited singles, splits and whatnot, one must admit the convenience of having everything in the same place.