CD Info

2008

Snakebite Records / Rock Inc.

13 Tracks

English Lyrics 

Of course we all still remember the Dutch band MORNING. In 2005, we saw them live on stage several times in Holland and we enjoyed their debut album "Hour Of Joy" a lot. Their second album, which is perhaps even more important for a band than their debut album, is out now and is entitled "Moments Of Truth". A title, that may cover the first sentences in this review. What really appeals to me on this album, are the strong and very powerful guitar riffs by Martijn Brauwers and Bas Rensen. Not only in opener "Fading vs. Waiting", but also in "Killing Truth". And the band doesn’t only treat us to some huge, mighty riffs, but also the guitar solos are breathtaking. So far so good. The band can be relieved though, because not only the guitarwork sounds much stronger than on the previous album. In general, their sound has matured quite a lot and especially the voice of Saskia van Heugten has gained a lot of strength and power. She sounds like she is more convinced of the fact, that she can sing beautifully. She is not a that shy, young girl anymore and has developped to a strong young woman. And she likes to express that with her voice. The album contains thirteen songs and has a playing time of a bit over fifty minutes. After the debut album came out, the band also changed drummers. Mauro Pi has left the band and is being replaced by Jim van de Kerkhof. The brothers Pol and Stijn Bannier complete the band, playing bass guitar and synths. "Let’s Escape", the fifth song on the album, is the first song that starts with a more modest intro, but soon the band gains back speed and puts on some more power. Saskia’s voice is still at its very best in the slower parts. She reminds me a lot of Anneke van Giersbergen. Which might be an easy reference and somebody who is probably mentioned in many reviews. However, Saskia must take this as a huge compliment, because after all Anneke is one of the best (if not, the best) singers from our country. The very first riff of "My Shadow’s Meal" could be of IRON MAIDEN. Same goes for the first riffs in "Disorder". There is a leading role for Stijn’s synths in this song and again the guitars cry out real wild! Yep, here’s my first real highlight of the album! The spoken word part in "Ever Unfolding Secret" makes it very sphereful and a little bit gothic. But after hearing this album so far, you simply cannot call this band gothic or dream metal anymore. Melodic metal are more the words, I was thinking about. "Disorder" is powerful and heavy, and contains a masterly synthesizer part in the centre. While "A Burden" sounds more laid back and modest. Variation all over on the album. And while the talent of the different musicians sounded more hidden and underneath before, it all sounds a lot more open and upfront now to fully demonstrate that the band is ready for the next step on the ladder of success. In the last two songs, Stijn’s synths are again upfront in the mix, which adds a more symphonic edge to the mix of style, that we already heard. Judging, if this is really a "Moment Of Truth" for MORNING, they can be very proud of themselves. The band has certainly proved to sound so much better than on their debut "Hour Of Joy". Both thumbs up for MORNING!!

Website: http://www.morning.nl

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