MIDNIGHT interview on songwriting, touring plans and the Midnight journey

[@apocalypsethrash]

Athenar is such a cool dude, I saw them opening for Electric Wizard, holy fuck man, that was so awesome!

[@CaskStrength777]

That sounds like the most perfect tour ever

[@RockBlisswithKimchiChris]

He's always so funny in interviews. Can you actual imagine a Journey crowd reacting to a masked man walking out on stage and just smashing a guitar?

[@TheCcmarine]

Now that I'd like to see. Haha

[@lucasstruna3962]

wow very cool dude and very cool interview thanks Banger! this is the content I pay for

[@BangerTV]

Lucas Struna thanks, lots of interviews coming

[@sador42]

Rhyming words with “hell” comment was great. Cool interview!

[@BangerTV]

Athenar is a master of that rhyme

[@elektrik_exekutioner6822]

I stumbled across MIDNIGHT via a Rock Hard feature earlier this year; I can't believe how I could have missed them for so long

[@blackestskyline9732]

My parents always say "when you are talking, look into his eyes"

[@susanatkins7388]

So he is like qurothon from bathory recording everything on his own? Brilliant genius

[@CM-if5zy]

saw these guys at ShadowWoods Metal Fest in 2015, they capped off the night perfectly \m/

[@BrainPollution]

I was a bit late to the party, but I’m a Midnight fan for life!

[@MoshWithEzra]

i saw them open for Abbath and Obituary a couple months back; fucking killer

[@altarsofplague7394]

I guess I'm failing at Metal! Absolutely have never heard of this band and I'm surprised because I definitely stay up to date with the scene and watch every video this channel releases

[@Hammersmashed68]

Travis McCrindle you are missing out

[@kevinhernandez2594]

I saw them live a couple months ago. They were amazing. Such stage presence and audience interaction that put the band before them to shame.

[@LaylaLover90]

Nice nod to another band Athenar was in with that t-shirt...Destructor!

[@BrianM-44041]

Athenar played bass temporarily with destructor when they were old and almost done. His former band boulder had a song about the former bassist of destructor dave holocaust being stabbed to death on new years ever here in Cleveland called dave holocaust was a lucky man. They were initially pissed off about it but then after meeting him and talking decided he was an awesome dude. Destructor played thw battle of the worst bands formerly as "ouiphucter". Maximum destruction was such a great song. I also loved necrophagia season of the dead and got to meet killjoy in southern Ohio a few times. Athenar was among my circle of friends but we only hung out once without others around, i drove him to see primus and soundgarden at the phantasy theater for about 50 people and he paid for my ticket. We also got some wednesday mr chicken deals once in a while when they were practicing for boulder. Lol nicest guy, so knowledgeable about music.

[@lordmetallium9678]

Also midnight coming to Puerto Rico in June OMFG, i'm gonna faint

[@helmzmen]

Why do I feel like he's extremely attractive under that mask?

[@blacknroll4970]

He really isn't attractive. But smells pretty good ironically. Nice guy. Has a very shitty venom tramp stamp tattoo as well.

[@jank8696]

@@blacknroll4970 dude how do you know

[@BrianM-44041]

Hes a normal guy, probably attractive to most women.

[@macabre19]

Midnight is a great band.

[@JoseLuisQ666]

Oh boy, I thought he was M or Darkside from Mgla :( I've never heard this band, gotta check them up

[@karljonson3287]

I'm honestly dissappointed

[@JoseLuisQ666]

@@karljonson3287 yeah me too

[@scummyrat3981]

Midnight>>>>>>>>>>>mgla

[@AriesWarlock]

check out the song Crushed by Demons.

[@alex.fleshripper]

@@scummyrat3981 depends on your taste, both bands kick ass

[@mattgriffin2880]

Time to go find some out of print Boulder LP's. Bring back Boulder, Jamie. Please?

[@AndrewTate2Prison]

I want someone to upload that Live Album that is a rare record I think. I checked with him awhile ago and he's fine with people buying them on Amazon or whatever ha ha..so I did.

[@BrianM-44041]

Youve got to talk mark, Terry, and heinous pat into that one lol

[@gkling33]

Saw Midnight for first time opening for Mercyful Fate in Sacramento 2022...bad ass band...high energy stuff. Instant fan

[@herbertwest9626]

You look at him in all his outfit and you can still imagine people saying "that's that evil, satanic, murderous metal monster. Lock up your kids and stay away from him". Just like it was in the 1980s with Motorhead or Venom and the likes. But of course it's an image and some people don't get it. Now he's sitting there and you can tell that he's an intelligent, humble and friendly guy. And especially today in this extremely pc world (or at least wannabe pc world) it shocks conservatives and hipsters alike. It's like the world turns back to those oppressive times and hypocrites are deciding what's right and what's wrong. It's a crazy world. Again.

[@BrianM-44041]

Hes actually the nicest guy , raised in a suburban development by good parents. I dont think he ever drank or did drugs, didnt smoke, and was always fairly fit. Image is whatever you want it to be.

[@raskthenehkroskeptic]

Me n midnight, rocking the ipod classic lol

[@PazuChill]

I didn't know there was another Midnight. :O

[@deathmattkiller]

Wait there's another one?

[@PazuChill]

@@deathmattkiller The singer from Crimson Glory was the only Midnight I knew in metal.

[@manninco]

@@PazuChill that Midnight's how I discovered this one (tried searching for info on all souls midnight prior to its release and ended up with black n roll)

[@MrGarccia]

There's a band in Brazil that called "00:00" and people call them "midnight"

[@mr.z541]

I thought...wait what...didn't he pass away?

[@markusorth5450]

So, NOT the former lead singer of Crimson Glory. K.

[@bradpritt1550]

I saw them on that kreator tour in their hometown of Cleveland I had no idea who they were. They came out in the masks and I was kind of like what the f***. And then they started playing and I was like oh s*** now I get it. I really hope midnight comes home and plays another Cleveland gig because I am dying to experience that again LOL

[@bradcarr2444]

I saw them two years ago at the Agora free show they were great they played with embalmer ,shitfucker, malicious reign was a great show.

[@lowriderskin]

Saw them in Oberhausen, Germany where the drummer was all fucked up on stage and Nabbe ( Skullhog, Acid Deathtrip, Insult) ended up playing the drums. It was a legendary show. One of those shows where everybody says they were there but they weren’t. Lol. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGHLgoiijbWkebM

[@FierySpitDragon]

Is it the Vanek bros?

[@leddygee1896]

Midnight was the vocalist for Crimson Glory... or does anyone in this thread know who they are?

[@TheRealLucifer_Morningstar]

Midnight from CG passed away sadly back in the early part of the 2000's. I went to HS with Jon Drenning, the lead guitarist.

[@leddygee1896]

@@TheRealLucifer_Morningstar I know, just being snarky... CG as a band were vastly underrated, so hearing Midnight being used within a Music context will always make me think of him. The song "Transcendence" always gets me right here... Drenning is a beast Guitarist!!

[@brendanoneil3489]

@@leddygee1896 snap! brilliant band

[@cehaem2]

The interviewer so SOOO Canadian, lol....

[@slambammy6717]

Is he really 73? Holy shit

[@goatmoonwarmaster4641]

Why all black metal bands nowadays they have this weird look, like they gonna rob a store doesn't look good to be honest, this band is good but they sound like Venom

[@scummyrat3981]

goatmoonwarmaster coleto midnight does venom better than venom

[@n.o2164]

Did he say he is 73yrs.

[@BangerTV]

73 and a half

[@BrianM-44041]

Bro hes 50 or 51 i think he graduated in 91.

[@jwetenkamp]

DeKay loves to talk about him and his buddies.

[@luciofidelis4620]

"I had the chance to sit down with the HOODED MENACE himself, Athenar..." Good one. Blayne must be proud.

[@mpa719]

Midnight is so sick! Saw them open for The Black Dahlia Murder; was standing along the stage during their set fist pumping and Athenar grabbed my arm and bit it haha

[@thebreadfan2]

Saw that show in London. When Midnight started I was by the bar in the back. By the time the 2nd song ended I was right up against the stage. Hopefully they will re-schedule their Toronto show!

[@sommelierofstench]

yeah midnight rips. they don’t get enough credit for sure.

[@TheCcmarine]

I totally agree. Maybe he doesn't want that much attention but for how long Midnight has been around and on zine covers and splits with other known bands they still stay pretty much underground! I think too its kinda good they stay less known for the simple fact that all these hipster kids will be rockin Midnight tshirts and it might take away from the whole atmosphere they have. Idk

[@ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣΣΧΟΙΜΠΟΝ]

The good things most of the times are underappreciated, especially in music

[@Andrewoid95]

I saw these guys with Abbath and Obituary a few months ago and my god, what an experience. Them and Devil Master were my first time listening seeing them live and I became instant fans of both bands.

[@Nightshade1881]

Andrewoid95 I was up in front at the Santa Ana show in Cali and sadly we couldn’t hear any of the vocals for Devil master and midnight :(

[@Andrewoid95]

That sucks. /: actually though, that does remind me that DM’s vocals were a little buried under the mix. Aside from that, both them and Midnight stole the entire show for me.

[@babeimbrokemercy4988]

SAAMMEE

[@usagi666_]

Holy shit, I didn't get to see Midnight on that tour (and I'm still upset over it) but I saw Devil Master on tour with Power Trip, Creeping Death, & High on Fire and was blown away by Devil Master. Can't wait for Midnight and Devil Master to go on tour again.

[@jandousek4798]

Devil Master seems VERY good thanks for tip cause until now their existence completely missed me 😁

[@michaeldrechfachs1547]

WELL, IF YOU DON'T KNOW OF MIDNIGHT BY NOW YOU ARE OFFICIALLY FAILING AT METAL HARD

[@hutch13pbbc]

it's also coming from a dude who spends half of the interview talking about himself and the other half talking about Midnight through his lens.

[@Obssy]

I guess I'm failing hard at metal. Turns out it was all for nothing since I haven't heard of this band. Thanks for letting me know, man...

[@hutch13pbbc]

Obssy hey man. I’m not trying to be a dick. My comment was more on the host saying “of you haven’t heard of them...” - I hate that confrontational / clickbait / shaming approach: not aimed at you - that said they’ve been out in the spotlight for awhile. Ads and reviews and cover on big zines. Big tours this year like decibel beer fest and obituary and electric wizard. But I’m too old to troll. Now you have found them and they rule. Killer sound and aesthetic

[@DennisDom]

2 things could be construed as plagiarizing, For one, there's only gonna be one Midnight in Heavy Metal and that's (John Patrick Jr. McDonald RIP) the original singer of Crimson Glory. Although these guys name their band that. 2nd, Don't really care them imitating the Mighty MENTORS and the hoods. as El Duce invented that look, an no other band has dared to copy that! but I'll check em out now. But don't ever think a second a Metal Elitist would ever fail hard because of not knowing a band like this one. There's a reason I haven't fucking hear of them! and now that Brian signed them to his label maybe I will now.

[@TheCcmarine]

Yup totally failing!!

[@jeremytorculas927]

Midnight - Journey on tour this summer... I'm down

[@Weedeater58]

Only if Steve Perry is singing

[@anthonyvidano5437]

Ryan Mckay I agree

[@jonathansilva9848]

Fantastic band! I saw them on the Kreator tour also and they absolutely blew my mind! I told all my buddies about them also. Midnight deserves to be as big as Kreator!

[@FrameworksPhoto]

I'm 13, I saw these dudes in 2022 with Kreator And Mercyful Fate. I was like "whoa, these masked dudes are cool." And then I wanted to see them again, and I saw them in Baltimore last August. And now they are my favorite band.

[@GiveUsMusic]

I know President Macron’s silhouette when I see it...

[@Amishparadise69]

I saw midnight back in October with obituary, and holy shit!! They blew my fucking mind! They were amazing! I was super happy that I got a chance to see them. I’ve heard so much about them and only listened to them a few times but didn’t pay to much attention to them but seeing them in person was something else. Definitely a band that I keep in my playlist now.

[@derekwitt6948]

Great interview you conducted, always interesting to see what musicians have to say. Also as a big Midnight fan it was cool to get some insight in to what Athenar has for the future of Midnight. Really looking forward to the new record and seeing them on the road again

[@RiteanDan]

Satanic Royalty 👑 If you get one album, start with that one!

[@Bamboo_Bone]

Thanks for the recommendation! I wanted to check out some of his music before watching the interview, and that certainly was a great place to start!

[@TheCcmarine]

Def a great place to start!

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

Nailed it!

[@brianhueber3683]

It’s a great place to start your day. Every day

[@MetalDecibelTeen]

Saw them at motorcultor in France this year All that i love in the "oldschool" kickass sounds

[@brokenskulltapes9995]

A true master of the craft. The next King in line for the throne.

[@lordmetallium9678]

The new album sounds SUPER SICK

[@fraghead5]

You guys should make it a point to ask touring bands to name some of their favorite new bands they are finding on the road when they tour. Expose some new small bands to the masses

[@lucasbrito8578]

i had the chance to met Athenar and Vanik after Midnight's gig here in Brazil last year, they're the coolest guys ever !

[@themorrigan1312]

"On tour this summer" oh, buddy. I would hope not anymore. One more reason to hate covid tho

[@lordbelow1311]

I usually hate interviews because of the dumb ass questions that are asked. This was done well, seemed more personal (clearly someone already knows or did their research) instead of just a list of bullet points and see you later. Well done.

[@robertpoole5652]

Never heard of Midnight before but now I need to check them out

[@RoryGFan-39]

You definitely should! I didn't find about them until after the release of the second full length, No Mercy For Mayhem, but I've been following them like crazy since then. I've got all the full lengths on vinyl and cd(plus a couple on cassette.) I've seen Athenar and crew live twice now and I plan on seeing them every time they come to town

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

Start with their very first album SATANIC ROYALTY.

[@disgust1413]

73???? i thought he was like 35 at most

[@herbertwest9626]

You see, never underestimate old people. 😉

[@BrianM-44041]

51 years old graduated in 91.

[@nathancanada6836]

Imagine trying to be a good interviewer and having to keep eye contact with a guy with a black mask on

[@BangerTV]

It's a weird feeling, it is.

[@nathancanada6836]

BANGERTV - All Metal lmao!

[@godstomper]

I heard he drinks donuts.

[@towardsdesolation1735]

Why the fuck is slipknot on the wall?

[@FrameworksPhoto]

EEWWWWW

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

That look is the inspiration behind my profile pic.

[@BrianM-44041]

He graduated in 91. Definitely not 73 lol

[@cwthomas]

"label mates with bands like Trouble" Yup.

[@CaskStrength777]

Saw these guys a few months ago touring with Mayhem in Pittsburgh- first time I'd heard of them, was blown away, made me think Motorhead combined with thrash & black, it was perfect, and they fucking destroyed 🤘 Definitely a fan now

[@ShaneyBiggs]

I geeked out when I saw this video

[@MrRob4Ami]

That was reli cool! A friend of mine told me about midnight recently so I had to pick up the lastest record for sure!!! I had no idear they been around since 2003 wow!! I have a keen ear on the UK underground including hellripper,wolf bastard, venom wolf so I totally get midnight 😎🤘🖤❤️🤘

[@sickb2200]

Since 2003? I had no idea.

[@rockzilla-666-]

What surprises me is that he is such a relaxed, funny and cool guy. I think this is why his band is so good. And he is right about the vinyl only collect it in black. Hearing midnight gives me always a good time

[@michby]

I love him. He’s so down to earth and normal and then he plays this wild raucous fun metal that makes me want to BREAK SHIT! I hope they’ll make it to my hometown soon. I bet seeing Midnight with Kreator and Obituary was a trip. I’d see them with anyone honestly.

[@D-A-K]

Is he finally ready to get on a major label and tour now because he's on keto?

[@awarewolf2685]

Derek A. Kamal On a ketogenic diet?

[@chainsaw8374]

awesome interview once again by the one & only Athenar !!!

[@cykablyat7393]

One of the last few metal bands (along with profanatica etc) that I like listening to a lot. These guys and devil master are on my radar ATM.

[@RiteanDan]

Givenchy Gazpacho Wow, thx for the heads up on Profanatica and Devil Master (my préférence!!). I’ve never heard of either. Where a good place to start? I don’t remember how I first came across Midnight, but it was only about 3-5 years ago. No one told me about him, I’m old and no one my age likes that stuff! lol. I like BlackNRoll. Bands like Usurper from way back got me into it!

[@wenxingwang7867]

Saw Devil Master opening for Power Trip and High on Fire 2 weeks ago. They were awesome. It was funny that some High on Fire fans didn't enjoy them much and I overheard them talking about how boring they are after their set.

[@dillonfields7576]

These two just got off tour with Obituary and Abbath. Luckily I saw them on that tour then saw Devil Master again 2 weeks later with High on Fire and Power Trip

[@TheCcmarine]

Profanatica rip hard man!! All bands with Drummer/Singers are dope!!

[@ericjenkins2737]

Journey joke went over his head.

[@MarrowEternal]

Metal blade. Can we get a Black Dahlia/Midnight tour?

[@bradcarr2444]

Black Diallia suck they're fake goth metal .Midnight is a real metal band unlike black dallia

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

I would pay for it.

[@awesomeguyscej6186]

Hopefully midnights headlining !

[@LucefieD]

15 years?! Fuck, they definitely slipped under my radar.

[@MetalJew13]

Love the Cleveland scene and I didn’t know about them. I bring shame to my town....hope the keep killing it and bringing glory to our humble town

[@spookymulder945]

"It took me eight years to find that single." Lol

[@AndrewTate2Prison]

Umm I don't think the guy drinks so not so sure he's going to be drinking beers.

[@Dudeatrix]

That Midnight, Obituary, Kreator show in Toronto was Dope

[@mermaidthrasher4235]

caught that in Calgary \m/

[@habsrbad]

Montreal, awesome show

[@mikehackenschmidt8765]

Saw it in Toronto. My first exposure to Midnight. Never looked back

[@BangerTV]

Was an especially heavy set

[@jbasti227]

Sounds like a great show

[@mohdhaslam85]

Great interview Bangertv!! Metal Hailz from Singapore

[@themarkedman72]

Best thing on this Chanel ever. Beat band right now on planet earth.

[@nikostragakis9501]

A class act.

[@image30p]

Very interesting interview!

[@pizzasurf3222]

ALL HAIL MIDNIGHT!!!

[@zeldamage001]

"Living out my childhood dreams at age 73" hol' up, this guy does not sound like a 73yo, he can't be that old. Why does he say he's 73?

[@D-A-K]

Why can't he be that old? Maybe he's the heavy metal Mick Jagger.

[@thehylianloach9473]

Pretty sure he's joking

[@nigelskrypt]

@@thehylianloach9473 No, they did a song unmasked. Look it up.

[@Walsh2571]

@@D-A-K he's not 73 lmao

[@BrianM-44041]

Because he's silly. Dude is 51

[@biiiiioshock]

Satanic Royalty is a masterpiece ! Awesome band

[@troyeberhard2086]

Saw Midnight Thursday night in Sydney. Fucking amazing show. Definitely the best one I’ve been to. Support acts were also epic. Thanks Midnight!!!!

[@thomasfarmer1730]

Saw the thumbnail...I thought it was about Midnight,the vocalist from 80’s Crimson Glory.

[@astralmass]

Dude. More Torment woke up my roommate. That sometimes takes quite a lot. He was all "That's Like Hellhammer or Celtic...Frrr" And we listened to Metal for Hours.

[@sickb2200]

The hoods should extend out longer - at least past their faces. More sinister that way.

[@MetalManTX666]

can't wait to see MIDNIGHT on tour 2023!!!

[@KingovhellToji]

Evil like a knife!!!!! Midnight is the shit!

[@joel_mang957]

This is the second best Athenar interview.

[@hfreed24]

I've been living in CLE for a couple years now, how the hell did I miss them till now?

[@AndrewTate2Prison]

I think they hide a lot and don't play there so much...I've seen them play in Chicago maybe 4 or 5 times in the last few years....I'm old, cranky, and picky so it's the only thing worth leaving the house for...leaving my Drewcifur's Sanctuary that is...

[@BrianM-44041]

He was also in boulder and destructor.

[@RequiemDead]

Midnight fucking kills it, hard!

[@dawnowar2]

Don't think ive ever seen an interview w him b4

[@Armando.Sepulveda]

Athenar is the El Duce of metal! El Duce in the Mentors is mostly punk

[@herbertwest9626]

This guy has much more brain than El Duce ever had.

[@alex_flamer]

Lol 73 years old?! He doesn't look, sound, or play like it at all!

[@herbertwest9626]

He's got that special serum.

[@BrianM-44041]

Hes 51

[@jwetenkamp]

I wonder if he shops for toothpaste in the mask and bullet belt.

[@BangerTV]

LOL

[@aaronadair697]

MGLA is better

[@scummyrat3981]

Aaron Adair nop lol 😂

[@ensnaredbyflesh1030]

What does that even mean They are 2 entirely different genres

[@shrewmen]

These guys are fantastic, saw them and Devil Master open up for Obituary and Abbath and they stood just as strong with them if not stronger

[@misantropen]

Hail MIDNIGHT!

[@djnekroman]

Love Midnight. Great interview.

[@lesliaorue5417]

H.A.I.L! \m/

[@aserabus]

Been listening to Metal since the 90's, playing since the 90's. Never heard of them, I'll check them out now. Be right back... Okay, just got back from checking them out, and...............they suck! Now I know why I haven't heard of them.

[@metalucifer9724]

aserabus If you don't mind my saying so, you have terrible taste in old school metal music.

[@aserabus]

@@metalucifer9724 No, I don't mind. I am fine with different opinions. However, I think Pantera, Old Meshuggah, Fear Factory, Old Decapitated, At the Gates, are good. If you don't think so, I would surmise, it's you that has terrible taste in metal music. But I appreciate your opinion:-)

[@metalucifer9724]

aserabus What do you think of venom, Motörhead, discharge?

[@superunknown2812]

@@metalucifer9724 trick question for him dude isnt it lol

[@bloodieddeadman6.1.65]

@@superunknown2812 😂😂😂

[@ortegayecid]

Who copy who? Mgla or Midnight in the attire.

[@D-A-K]

Midnight was first...I think...

[@scummyrat3981]

😂😂😂😂

[@ortegayecid]

@@D-A-K but MGLA started in 2000 and Midnight in 2003 🤔

[@D-A-K]

@@ortegayecid Yeah but...

[@ensnaredbyflesh1030]

Jackets, hoods and masks are just cool looks. Nobody copied anyone.