Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review


Various Artists, Midnight Clear: A Solid State Compilation
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Various Artists
Midnight Clear: A Solid State Compilation



Genre(s): Christmas / Metal / Rock
Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 15 seconds
Street Date: November 24, 2014


Raise your hand if the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas is metal. No, not one of the metal trees in A Charlie Brown Christmas. No, not tinsel. Not jingle bells. Heavy Metal. Midnight Clear isn't the most natural collection. Most Christmas songs you hear during the holiday season are traditional hymns or pop covers. This collection is the exact opposite of that, but that's a good thing. With an all-star cast of the biggest names in the scene, including former Solid State favorites August Burns Red, the label has struck gold with an album that delivers on every level.

There's really an interesting mix here. Not only is the album as a whole a different take on many of the popular carols, but each song adds something unique. Some of the tracks are instrumental, like "Silent Night" by Forevermore, while others turn into a complete thrash fest, like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" by For Today. And those are just the covers. Some of the best tracks don't even fit any of those categories, like Memphis May Fire's "He Came With Love." The band has never been shy about their beliefs, but it's so refreshing to see a group that's a little more mainstream write such a powerful, yet musically simple, track.

The only real drawback to Midnight Clear is the one thing that makes it so unique to begin with- its style. While songs like The Ongoing Concept's version of "Jingle Bell Rock" are enjoyable showcases of talent, they're also not likely to find a permanent place on your Christmas playlist. The holidays are a time for friends and families to get together, and chances are that not everyone in your group will appreciate these songs as much as they should. Not that they don't have a place, because they certainly do, but at times it felt like it would have been nicer if the album was more like August Burns Red's second contribution, "Flurries," from 2012's Sleddin' Hill album, instead of "Joy to the World," the new recording from ABR found here. But those are just details. It doesn't matter where or how you listen to Midnight Clear, it deserves to be listened to all the same.

- Review date: 12/1/14, written by John "Flip" Choquette of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

. Record Label: Solid State Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 15 seconds
. Street Date: November 24, 2014
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Joy To The World (3:07) - August Burns Red
  2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (5:07) - Fit For A King
  3. O Come, O Come Emmanuel (4:20) - For Today
  4. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (3:22) - Wolves At The Gate
  5. He Came With Love (4:20) - Memphis May Fire
  6. Jingle Bell Rock (2:14) - The Ongoing Concept
  7. Silent Night (3:24) - Forevermore
  8. The King (4:29) - Wolves At The Gate
  9. O Holy Night (4:15) - Becoming The Archetype
  10. Flurries (4:16) - August Burns Red

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
Philip Anthony A League of My Own (ALOMO) - EP (independent)
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [Roon]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent)
Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]

SINGLES
Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax]
Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite]
Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent)
CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity]
Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent)
Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN]
Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax]
Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel]
Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic]
JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent)
Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident]
No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax]
Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax]
Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax]
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]
Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Shine n Me (feat. Edward Rivera) - Single [Bethel]

Next Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images