Usually, when I review CD's, it takes at least five listens or so for me to make sure what I think. Other times it takes 15 spins before things fall into place, and in some instances, one or two listens suffice in order to gather a standpoint.

I remember sitting at Manchester Airport at some point in 2008. I had plenty of time before my flight to Denmark, equipped with my faithful laptop and Stigma's 'When Midnight Strikes!'. Then and there, it took me only one and a half rounds with the album to appriciate that what I had there was a concrete solid, tight album with loads of power and brutality.

The gory concept is still part of Stigma's expression. The horror theme has become their way, and it's a fine way to set themselves apart from the rest of the metalcore hordes out there.

Musically, the Italian quartet have a lot in common with Heaven Shall Burn and Maroon, which, of course, is not at all a bad thing. Straight out metalcore is not really interesting in anyone's book these days; it's only when elements of melody and harmonies are mixed with tight and powerful metalcore/hardcore that it really works. And that Stigma masters.

Recommended for fans of metalcore that wants to be more than just that.