"Chimes at Midnight" is the sixth and final studio album by the Norwegian rock band Madrugada, released on January 28, 2022. The album marks the band's return after a 14-year hiatus, and it is deeply introspective, touching on themes of loss, nostalgia, and reflection. The album is both a tribute to their past and a bold step forward in terms of musical exploration.
Sonically, *Chimes at Midnight* blends the band's signature melancholic rock with elements of more experimental sounds. It has a darker, more somber tone compared to their earlier work, with lush, atmospheric arrangements and a mixture of haunting guitar riffs, slow-burning piano, and steady drum beats. The album was well-received for its emotional depth and maturity, with standout tracks like "The Wheel" and "Shine" being highlighted for their raw, heartfelt lyrics.
The band's vocalist, Sivert Høyem, delivers a compelling performance, as always, with his deep, gravelly voice adding layers of emotion to the songs. The title itself, *Chimes at Midnight*, evokes a sense of passing time and the bittersweet nature of goodbyes, fitting for a band who had come to the end of their journey.
As the band's final release, it holds an extra layer of significance for fans, closing the chapter of a group that had shaped Norway’s rock scene for decades. It stands as a fitting conclusion to Madrugada's legacy, filled with both moments of quiet reflection and powerful musical crescendos.
