V/A - Midnight Storm III

[Trance2MoveU]

Title: Midnight Storm III
Artist: Various
Label: Nexus Media
Release: May, 2008


1. Absolum - Hadracadabra (Shift Remix) (8:53)
2. Shift - Synesthesia (7:48)
3. Lost and Found - Octane (6:52)
4. Multistate - Nefarious (Shift Remix) (8:34)
5. Hydraglyph - To Lie And Wait (8:10)
6. Mantis - Self Deception (8:32)
7. Twisted System - Use Of Weapons (7:30)
8. Ctrl Alt Del vs Shift - Twists And Turns And 3rd Degree Burns (7:10)
9. Deliriant - Fusion (7:25)
10. Slug - Zombie (7:03)

 

 

 

Boom.


This is the 3rd installment of the Midnight Storm series. The previous two have been outstanding forays into the hyper intensity that is South African psytrance. I make no apologies for saying that this is my absolute favorite type of psy. It is very energetic with "minor key" atmosphere that forces you to get out of your seat and dance like nobody is watching. Well, for me anyway. I suppose you would call this twilight full-on, but I think it goes beyond labels as it takes from many different genres. I cannot explain why I like the cover, I just do. The track list is a who's who of pumping night trance so let's check it out!


Absolum - Hadracadabra (Shift Remix)-- "This one is an example of go home and do it again."

 

This is Chris Hoy's remix of Christof Drouillet's track Hadracadabra. I recall that track being a very good one. Right out of the gate we have a strong beat with related percussion. A nice touch is the shifting of the bass line. I'm already moving, when the lead sweeps in and plays a game of tag. The acid is dirty, and I feel I have gotten it all over me. This will never come out. The sample from Men in Black brings a smile to my face, as the track continues to crush with a new lead. Absolutely bestial!


Shift - Synesthesia- Chris's latest track here with a quiet synth worming it's way forward. Before you can say cool, the bass line is here and you can already feel the dread. Chris knows how to direct a track, it is a formula he has used with great success. This is no exception. The lead screams to be heard above the heavy beat, as new leads pop up. Out of that 2nd break is an undeniable groove. Suck it up and feel the goodness! Quality!


Lost and Found - Octane- This is Gerhard Olivier and I have really become a fan of his music. His tracks Ultimatum and Jet Black on Twilight Vision were outstanding. This one jumps right into the beat with some cool percussion. The lasers give it a spacey feel as the track rises into the first break. The leads swarm over me and guide me this way and that. I'm out of my seat moving to this, when he brings the next break. And boom, we are right into the aggressive groove. Full power all the way. Super!


Multistate - Nefarious (Shift Remix)- "Hey, now we're even!" This is a track by Multistate (Lost & Found and Xatrik) given Chris Hoy's special touch. Once again there is no delay getting to the bass heavy beat. The lead mimics the bass as lasers flit about. When another lead comes in it dominates. Nice filtering brings the track ever higher. Jeez, does this guy ever make a crappy track. I haven't heard it yet. The next break brings another lead and the sounds combine to form a juicy melange. Sweet!


Hydraglyph - To Lie And Wait - Andrew Morgan & Mark Ackermann have released 2 good albums and scores of compilation tracks.
This one growls, with screaming leads from above. They shimmer, as lots of background sounds fill out the track. When the beat gets going again, there are plenty of effects to keep your ears company. This one becomes a very powerful wall of sound. Where as the other tracks were quite intricate, this one was pound you in the face with a sledgehammer. Very nice!


Mantis - Self Deception- The only other track from this guy (guys?) is on the Future Cuts compilation. It seems like Mantis has taken a page from his fellow South Africans in that he has the same heavy bass and industrial leads. The sample is computer generated and long winded. I don't care for it, even though I an sure it is relevant. It just goes on too long. The bass line just creeps up on you, like it's stalking you as the leads weave their way around your cerebellum. Another winner.



Twisted System - Use Of Weapons- Shift + Phyx + Rabdom L = P.O.W.E.R. With a short outburst, we then get a scratchy sound as it makes its way. The lead bobs up and down amongst more leads as the beat plows forward. The scratchy lead returns and at the end of the track, there is so much going on, that you have to marvel at the detail. Great track!



Ctrl Alt Del vs Shift - Twists And Turns And 3rd Degree Burns- "They told me...and uh...that you had gone totally insane."

 

Chris Teams up with whoever this is and brings us swirling leads with a metallic feel. The beat brings a cool melody that slams into the break with percussion. If possible, the beat comes back with an even richer sound, and as with most sHift tracks, they really fill out in the end. Super, super job!


Deliriant - Fusion- We are being introduced to the new breed of South African artists I see. This one starts slowly but at the 2:15 mark we get a sense of groove that infects. Nasty lead. Add new lead and simmer. Sprinkle of laser for effect and get baked. This was a very groovy track and a great start for this individual. We will be watching you.



Slug - Zombie- Bringing up the rear is Mr. Slug whose 3rd album is on the way if you are to believe the Nexus Media site. The sample speaks of zombies in New Haven. This track starts to grow with very acidic leads before it hits a short break. Pads float by, get filtered, and reveal some percussion. When the lasers dance with the bass line, it is infectious. The lead above holds time, and gives way to another that goes from one side to the other in my headphones. Very good track!


Conclusion:- Sold. As long as this series is made, I will buy each and every installment. It is that good. The producers are very competent, and know how to build and flesh out a track. The beats are heavy, the acid is plentiful and every track makes me want to dance. If you are a fan of South African psytrance, then this is a can't miss blind buy. There is no way I can pick a favorite, they are all good. If the 2nd generation of S.A. artists is as good as the 1st, we are in for a treat. Keep it up Nexus Media. 9.5/10

[Ormion]

The best compilation of 2008 IMO.

Better than part 2 too.

 

This is absolutely quality Psytrance and I mean TRUE Psytrance here.

 

Every track is simply amazing, it's one of the few compilations with really no fillers, all tracks are perfectly made.

 

The Absolum track is a pure stomper remixed by Shift, a really great remixer.

Shift's Synesthesia is a blend of the old (hard kick, massive bass) and new (melodic lines) Shift style.One of the best tracks of 2008.

Lost And Found track is weaker compared to his other tracks IMO, but still impressive.

Now, Shift kicks that much ass that he decided to remix Nefarious from the Multistate album, which happens to be my favorite from their album.

The track is a pure bliss! As hard as it gets, with extra acidic lines over the synths of the original. Even better than the original IMO.

Hydraglyph track is very nice indeed, perfect balance between SA sound and more normal full on.

Mantis is dark, acidic, poweful and badass at the same time. A great new artist reminds me a bit of Shift older works. Great track.

Super project Twisted System, my absolute favorite group. Dark track, yet melodic, seriously made, not uberpowerful but dynamic. Hardcore.

The Ctrl Alt Del vs Shift collaboration is another winner. MASSIVE synths and powerful kicks, twilight melodic Psy at its best.

Deliriant's track is perfection. Pure perfection. The last synth is unbelievale. A melody that will haunt me for years. Pure rave! And the climax is one of the best ever listened. Cult status reached.

Slug's great Zombie is another winner. Powerful yet gentle, beautiful Psy.

 

Overall 10/10 without any hesitation.

Midinight Storm 3. Real psytrance inside.

[Pemster]

indeed..... a VERY solid compilation .. and as for no9. the Deliriant track ... pheww.... what a breathe of fresh air .. loved every second of it!

.. and Slug brought up the rear of the album in fine style indeeed! .. really enjoyed your last couple of tracks dudE!

[Ormion]

Just wanted to say that this is one of the 5 best comps in the history of psytrance.

[Trance2MoveU]

 

By all that's holy this is definitely one of the greatest psytrance records of all time.

 

Preach Nexus Media!

 

I demand this be given classic status immediately!