The Merlons - Midgard

All Music Guide

The Merlons only live album Midgard illustrates just how unique this German band was in their formative years. Featuring selections from their first two studio albums when they were still known as the Merlons of Nehemiah they meld early music forms (middle ages and medieval) with artful indie, alternative and folk-infused rock. Imagine Gryphon with an alternative edge. Recorded with utmost clarity, this album allows acoustic instruments like the lute and bombarde to cut through the electric guitars and driving rhythms as well as Antje's lucid voice to ascend beyond the instrumental backdrop. Like Magma the Merlons even developed their own lyrical and musical language as evidenced on tracks like "Eluoami Praeludium" and "Alachamenjah" which added to their uniqueness and mystical leanings. Although a short album (33 minutes), Midgard is solid throughout, with no filler or down time.

- Dave Sleger, All Music Guide