Review: Midnight Prey "Jenseitsritt"

Release date: 25/09/2026

Label: Dying Victims Productions

5–7 minutes

The Nwothm

Germany’s Midnight Prey have followed an unusual path since forming in the Black Forest in 2012 and later relocating to Hamburg in 2015. Their debut “Uncertain Times” arrived in 2019, blending hard rock, classic metal and punk influences, before the band unexpectedly split in 2020. They resurfaced in 2023 with the “Black Cat / Sword and Shield” EP, also included on the “Gathered Under Open Skies” split with Firmament, marking a clear return to activity. With that renewed momentum, Midnight Prey now move into their next chapter with “Jenseitsritt”.

Review

Grimoire wakes things up with fuzzy guitar tones screeching through the speakers. There is just this raw unpolished feeling to them that adds some character to the production. The engine turns on and punchy galloping rips into action carrying the weight of the riffs. Winstons gritty, unapologetically vocals glaze the music perfectly adding that extra bit of charm. Interestingly he changes direction adding some throat to his delivery not conforming to any set direction. One thing that is great is how each of the bands instruments shine through. You can hear the solid bass lines from Daniel, the drums of Hannes have strength and the guitars embrace the space. It is a fast track that will instantly take hold of you.

Torn into Pieces opens with a simple chord progression that will stick in your mind throughout. The track springs into action getting straight to the point with driving guitar work and riffs that weave in and out at the right moments. The track has these sections which feels like ink bleeding on paper. The riffs and ideas spread through your mind like a tree spreading its branches. It grows and grows and yet at the same time the band remain locked in, focused and tight. The slightly sinister riffs that make the odd appearance are an interesting addition. And the lead work later in the song is also fantastic.

Witch King thunders in with rolling tom patterns and huge riffs. And as Winston comes in with his vocals you get pulled into to the dramatics of the performance. Like tracks before the band really know how present music that is drenched in heart felt emotions. You really feel it and that is one quality about this band that I think any listener will appreciate. Part way through there is also a couple of powerful thrashing sections that changes things up a little. The songs true strength is the soul searching rhythms that feel shrouded and cold. Feelings that will make the hair on your neck stand on end. Just close your eyes and listen and you really get an idea of what the band are about. But before the track closes you get a volley of blast beats which once again shows a band that doesn’t conform to one style.

Kaspar Hauser does not wait around getting straight into to it. The lyrics come straight away on top of wavy guitars that swish and stir around. In away this did not prepare me for the song so a couple of play throughs have had to happen. To me this feels a very straight forward driving song that opts for mostly a 4/4 drum beat without breaking the mould too much. Admittedly has some nice riffs and ideas but the track does not have the same impact as the previous three.

Unknown Trails storms in from the darkness. A blaze of double kick whips and fast riffage. The bass from Daniel with rattle your rib cage furiously. Winston brings a barrage of vocal shouts adding some fire to the mix. And unlike Kaspar Hauser, the song chops and changes with tempos and song structure making it feel more interesting and attention grabbing. I love how it changes between this free flowing feeling in the way the guitars are played to more frantic moments where there is a burst of energy. I think this is one of those songs that listeners would appreciate as a set song. Something to dance yet at the same time something to great nuts too.

Starlit Nebulas opens with sparkling heavy metal riffs that feel classic and warming. The riff seems to be one of the things that pushes the song forward with the bass following the main melody. By now i can safely say that Winston knows how to deliver a performance.It feels that he has dug in to the depths of his soul and pulled out every feeling and emotion. There are some great little melodic moments and a spicy little solo that tantalises. The later half of the song certainly feels the band push a bit harder and the vocal reflections are are pretty ace. Another solo takes the song to the end rounded things of nicely.

The title track Jenseitsritt closes and drops us into a slightly darker territory. The rolling double kick patters are excellent and match what is being played by the bass and guitars effortlessly. The bounce of the song is a welcoming direction and continues to show the band has that balance between ideas. The melodies that are woven into the mix feel a bit mysterious at times which is another great addition. Huge chords ring out at times letting the sing breathe before it returns to powerful riffs and ideas that have come previously in the song. The solo in the later half of the song is short but sweet. All in all another great track on the album and a great closing number. Well done!

Conclusion

The album closes with a strong sense of purpose, shaped by instinctive songwriting and a clear emotional thread running from start to finish. Each track feels alive in its own way, driven by riffs that bite, rhythms that shift with intent and vocals that dig deep into feeling. The artwork mirrors this perfectly, capturing the same atmosphere and intensity that defines the music.

What stands out most is how confidently the band move through different moods. They balance urgency with reflection, heaviness with space and fire with vulnerability. Winston’s delivery remains a constant anchor, pushing each song forward with character and conviction. The instrumentation feels unified yet expressive, giving the album a natural flow that keeps you locked in.

By the time the final notes fade, you are left with a clear picture of a band fully committed to their craft. It is a release that feels honest, dynamic and rich with personality, inviting listeners to return and uncover more with each play.