Midnight Orchestra - Land of Nod (1999)
This is the first release in many years from Mick Rowe, founding member of the '80s glam band Tempest. Mick has left his glam metal roots in the dust and is trying his hand at a new style of music. While there is a very dark and somber vibe here and some gothic elements this release has more of a modern rock feel in my opinion. The guitars are straight forward and basic but also very grungy like Wish For Eden and other "modern hard music" acts. The vocals vary from a dark goth style as on the tracks "Cain" and "Render", the latter having guest vocals from William and Sherry Waters from Wedding Party, to a light and airy feel. Other guest musicians include Micks brother Jaime Rowe (from Guardian fame) who handles some guitar chores and Tony Palacios (also from Guardian) who brings in some industrial sampling and also does the production. Overall this is a good cd with a dark ambiance. --Review by Norm