In 2002, singer Carmen Elise Espenæs and guitarist Christian Hector founded the German-Norwegian Symphonic metal and folk metal band Midnattsol; their intention was to start working on this project once they found like-minded persons to join their band. The new members were then identified in Chris Murzinsky (former drummer for Penetralia), Daniel Fischer (keyboard player), and later on Daniel Droste (guitarist) and Birgit Öllbrunner (bassist).
Their sound is essentially Symphonic metal, with some folk influences in the melodies. Although their sound can be classified as symphonic metal, the band prefers to call their style 'Nordic folk metal' because of the folk elements in their music and occasional Norwegian lyrics. Their lyrics are largely based on Norwegian folk tales. Their first full-length album, Where Twilight Dwells, was released in 2005; their new album, Nordlys, was released on March 28, 2008.
Midnattsol means "midnight sun" in Norwegian.
Guitarists Daniel Droste and Christian Hector recently joined forces with Stephan Adolph to form Ahab, a German funeral doom band.
Chris Merzinsky and Birgit Öllbrunner are also playing in the band R:I:P.
Carmen Elise Espenæs is the younger sister of Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull, former vocalist of Theatre of Tragedy and current vocalist for Leaves' Eyes.
On July 10, 2009, Midnattsol announced guitarist Fabian Pospiech had left the band to concentrate on his family.
The band won the 'Best Hope' Award at the Metal Female Voices Fest 2009 due to the majority of votes by the fans.
In spring 2010 they announced their return to the studio to record Midnattsol's third album from May to about July 2010. They've been keeping their fans up to date via studio reports on YouTube posted on their official Twitter[6] In November 2010, they announced the title of the new album, "The Metamorphosis Melody". In December 2010 they announced that "The Metamorphosis Melody" would be released on the 22nd of April 2011. They also announced the departure of guitarist Daniel Droste.