Welcome to the official place of Midnightmares ...

A dark, symphonic/gothic metal band, formed in the winter of 2023 by Gio Smet & Mariel Gimeno.

In the shadowy realm where the boundaries between melody and melancholy blur, there emerges a symphonic gothic metal band of profound darkness and haunting beauty. Cloaked in the ethereal tapestry of orchestral arrangements and driven by the thunderous pulse of metal, this enigmatic ensemble weaves a sonic tapestry that transcends the boundaries of conventional music.

With hauntingly poetic lyrics that delve into the recesses of the human psyche, the band's compositions are a labyrinth of emotions, ranging from the sublime to the macabre. Their melodies, borne on the wings of symphonic strings and haunting choirs, create an atmosphere both foreboding and entrancing.

Draped in the attire of gothic aesthetics, Midnightmares exude an aura of mystique, shrouded in darkness and adorned with ornate, brooding attire. Mariel's mesmerizing voice becomes a conduit for the band's poetic narratives, delivering lyrics that evoke a sense of existential introspection.

Midnightmares conjures an immersive experience, where dimly lit atmospheres and dramatic visuals amplify the intensity of their sonic journey. The interplay between Gio's distorted guitars and symphonic elements paints a vivid soundscape that lingers in the minds of their audience long after the final note has faded away.

As purveyors of the macabre, Midnightmares invites listeners into a realm where the boundaries between light and shadow blur, where beauty and darkness coalesce to create a hauntingly memorable musical odyssey.

Mariel Gimeno

Vocals

In the enchanting world of music, where passion meets melody, emerges a soulful artist with a symphony of experiences. Hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Mexico and now finding resonance in the Netherlands, soprano Mariel Gimeno has dedicated over two decades of life to the art of sound.

Born and bred in the heart of Mexico in the loving arms of a family of musicians, Mariel's journey began at an early age where she began her classical vocal training. Surrounded by the vibrant hues of Mexican culture, she found solace and inspiration in the notes that echoed through the air. These formative years laid the foundation for a musical odyssey that would span continents.

Venturing into the realms of symphonic metal, Mariel assumed the mantle of lead vocalist for various iconic bands in Mexico, such as Nostra Morte, Exordum and Dhominuz, where her vocals resonated around the country for a passionate audience, creating an indelible mark on the mexican symphonic metal scene.

Mariel also wears the hats of songwriter and producer. In a career spanning two decades, she has crafted several albums for fellow artists and herself, two of them under the genres of Classical Crossover/New Age, written entirely by her, which are "Communion" and "Mysticae," each note a testament to the kaleidoscope of emotions that music can evoke.

Mariel has also performed musical theatre and opera, transcending genres to explore the exciting possibilities of musical expression. The stage, for her, is a canvas where stories unfold. Drawing from a classical foundation, her soprano voice weaves a tapestry of ethereal melodies, inviting listeners into a world where genres merge.

Having bid adieu to her beloved Mexico, Mariel now finds herself drawn to the enchanting landscapes of Europe, and is eager to embark on a new adventure in her musical journey.

The melody continues to evolve as Mariel eagerly anticipates a new chapter in her musical story. Excitement crescendos as she joins the thrilling musical project "Midnightmares" alongside the talented Gio Smet. Together, they weave a nocturnal tapestry, exploring the shadowy corners of music in a dark and passionate collaboration that promises to captivate hearts and souls.

Gio Smet

Guitars & Backing Vocals

Belgian musician and producer Gio Smet, known from other bands/projects such as Gitaron, Giotopia, Horrorwish and Wolfpact, was mesmerized by Mariel's sensational voice and didn't hesitate to contact the Mexican singer.

The duo soon shared musical interests and found themselves on the same page concerning Midnightmares.

Gio first hit the stage around 2003 with various cover bands and in 2006 with his first original band, Gitaron.

Since then, Gio played many shows and recorded albums with Gitaron, Giotopia, Horrorwish, Wolfpact and some other side projects.

In 2023, the decision was made to combine all his experience and expertise to form the recording studio/record label "Gio Smet Records".

It was mainly Gio's father who introduced him to the world of heavy music. Therefore, influences were found in bands such as Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio, Iron Maiden, ...

Tom Skidmore

Drums

Tom has a huge background in music. At the "Manchester Metropolitan University", he graduated in professional music production and performance, has done a lot of session work, has toured with several bands including "The Manc Lads", worked with Marshall from "Killing Joke", played on festivals, … He also teaches drums and gives tutorials about music in general!

He is also known as drummer of Fragmentum.

Bart Jacquet

Bass

Raised by a father who is a musician, a mother who appreciated classical music and MTV during the heydays (80’s headbangers ball etc…) Bart had an interesting first encounter with music. He picked up the guitar at age thirteen, started his first gothic metal band Willow's Whisper in the late 90's/ early 2000’s, switched to bass guitar in 2004 in the trashmetal band Xplore. In 2010, he joined the symphonic metalband Manic Movement and participated intensely in free jamsessions. After a hiatus of 5 years to complete his degree in library science and information management, Bart joined Beyond the Labyrinth (classic rock), started his YT-channel BassHat before joining Midnightmares.

Maarten Willems

Keyboards

Maarten's love for playing the piano started when he was only 8 years old. He has a classical background but soon started to learn himself to play other music styles, mainly pop and rock, with his first band "SonaR". Later on his interest in melodic and symphonic metalbands like Nightwish and Epica got him to play in gothic metalband "The Avatar". Maarten also played synths and keyboards with "Dogwalker", "Schuppezot" and "Sinic". As for now, he keeps himself busy combining symphonic metalband "Symfata", accompanying a youth and adult choir from Edegem, his own band "The Foxes and Friends" and from now on the amazing "Midnightmares".