Gothic metal and female vocals are a match made in heaven. France’s MIDWINTER is no different. MIDWINTER brings heavy riffs with harmonic keyboards to the world.

Astrid Delaunay’s voice is operatic with haunting keyboards that are spiritual. At times, the vocals can get a bit much but Luc Chauty adds the demonic side of grunts that add depth. “Fountain of Youth” the title track, starts off with a nice collaboration of speed metal guitar and power metal keyboards. Once Astrid starts her vocals, it can get on your nerves a bit.

The music itself is pretty good and keeps your attention but the high pitched vocals are a letdown. “Time Waves” is another tune that has some great music and the vocals style is a little better, but can you go through the ten tracks listening to those vocals.

 “Cradlesong” could be the highlight song as the band sounds like EvaneSCEnce at times. “White Coffin” is a cool song -- musically. The keyboards and guitar work in harmony and would be a killer song without the vocals. I really like the music but the vocals are killing me. Think about it!