High praise for Axe Giant Soundtrack

The Axe Giant the Wrath of Paul Bunyan Original Motion Picture Soundtrack has been receiving excellent reviews.   Midnight Syndicate's latest movie soundtracks features a fun mix of thunderous, pulse-pounding action themes, creepy atmosphere, and early Americana instrumentation.  To preview tracks, click here.   To purchase a copy and preview tracks, stop by the Midnight Syndicate Store!

MantaRay Pictures – “Impressive. Edward Douglas is a chameleon on this project... (having) Midnight Syndicate branch out to capture the essence of Americana... the soundtrack pretty scary with gnarly brass, chilling strings and high-octane scoring.“

Gross Movie Reviews – “Fun, yet elegant period music that made me actually want to watch the film again to see how it helps blend the scenes together. Midnight Syndicate once again composes a soundtrack that is a must own for movie soundtrack collectors and proves their music is becoming a bigger part of the film than the film itself… I give it 3 ½ out of 4”

Games Gazette (UK) – “What makes this movie most memorable is the excitingly brilliant score that peaks, flows, rises and softens at all the right moments. Perfect background when you are alone in your home with the lights down.”

Pop Culture Previews – “...a nice brooding soundtrack... These are the sort of songs that Midnight Syndicate has mastered like no other... they continue to entertain as this album sounds significantly different than most of their works.”

28 Days Later Analysis – “Arguably, one of the best composers of horror music... unsettling... atmospheric...diverse”

Live interview with Gavin and Edward tonight on Para-X Radio!

Catch a live interview with Gavin and Ed TONIGHT (12/12) at 8pm EST on Para X Radio.

Haunted House documentary, "Screamer" released

For those of you interested in getting into the haunted attraction industry or those of you just interested in seeing what goes into putting together a haunted house, the new documentary, Screamer, is a must see. A few years ago, Midnight Syndicate collaborator David "House" Greathouse gave us a great behind the scenes look at haunted house acting with his documentary Legion of Terror. In this new documentary, director William McHugh gives us a very real (sometimes brutal) look into the world of haunted house design, building, and management.

Following a couple of haunted house builders in Indiana for five years the documentary set out to disprove the idea that the haunted house business is "fun and easy." While documenting their struggle to make a successful haunted house business, the film's two subjects, Matt Kemp and Phil Granger sometimes produce some humorous if unsuccessful results. The film moves around to some of the more successful haunted attractions around the country while maintaining the main story thread that ends with a shocking twist.

The DVD is currently available on EBAY as well as on the film's website, www.screamermovie.com where it is also available as a streaming rental.

In addition to the music of Midnight Syndicate that is heard throughout several of the haunted houses showcased, the documentary also features a brief interview with Edward Douglas from 2006.

Thanksgiving wishes!

On behalf of the entire Midnight Syndicate crew, we would like to wish you and yours have a great Thanksgiving!  We know many of you are anxious to hear about plans for Midnight Syndicate Live! We hope to have an update for you in mid-December.  

New developments with Midnight Syndicate Live!

To our fans and supporters,

Very recently, we were presented with a new and very, very exciting potential opportunity for Midnight Syndicate Live!  We feel strongly that this is something that we need to explore.  Unfortunately, this will take us past the November 10th deadline for this Kickstarter campaign.  And so, in order to give us time to do our due diligence for our fans and backers, we have had to cancel it.

At the end of the day, we feel that we owe it to all of our backers who have pledged their hard-earned money to help create a live Midnight Syndicate concert, as well as to the fans and supporters who have helped us promote this campaign, to thoroughly explore this possibility.

If it were to come to fruition, this new opportunity would result in a win-win situation for everyone who is involved in and has backed Midnight Syndicate Live!  It would entail a live show in 2014.
If things don't work out, we will take what we have learned and launch a second campaign.

To everyone that has supported us and gotten behind this project so far we THANK YOU!   The amazing response we've seen to this campaign just shows us once again that we have the GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD!

--- Ed, Gavin, and the Midnight Syndicate Live! team

Final week! Support Midnight Syndicate Live!

We've entered the final week of our Kickstarter campaign to make Midnight Syndicate concerts a reality!   This is a really important project for Midnight Syndicate going forward  so if you haven't checked out the Midnight Syndicate Live! Kickstarter campaign yet, please do so!  We have a ton of great rewards available.   This is a chance for you to support Midnight Syndicate in huge way AND be an integral part of a one-of-a-kind Halloween horror multimedia concert experience!! The direct link to the Kickstarter campaign is: http://kck.st/1bCv95j.

Help bring Midnight Syndicate to the stage. Support Midnight Syndicate Live on Kickstarter!

Happy Halloween!!  The Midnight Syndicate Live! Kickstarter campaign is going strong but we still need your help!  Please stop by, check out the great rewards we have available for as little as $15!  

Midnight Syndicate Live! is the next stage in Midnight Syndicate history.  Midnight Syndicate Live! will give us the opportunity to bring Midnight Syndicate's music live to YOUR city, as well as create a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience that you will never forget!   By becoming a backer on Kickstarter, you will be on the inside loop on everything from pre-production to production from Day 1.  Additionally, by joining now, you will forever be a part of Midnight Syndicate history, a new Halloween tradition, and Halloween music history!  Become a part of the team. Support Midnight Syndicate. Join us today!

Listen to Midnight Syndicate 24/7 on AccuRadio

 

Looking for Midnight Syndicate Radio 24/7 ? Check out AccuRadio's The Night Beckons Channel now! They've got Midnight Syndicate running non-stop for your Halloween listening pleasure!

Midnight Syndicate Live! Kickstarter off to a great start!

A huge THANK YOU! to everyone who has contributed to the Midnight Syndicate Live! Kickstarter campaign so far. We're off to a great start! For those of you who haven't made it over yet, we have a TON of really cool rewards. Everything from Kickstarter-exclusive merchandise and a special edition DVD version of the first show to show tickets, special collector bundles, never before released music, self-titled debut CDs, and much, much more!

Midnight Syndicate Live! Kickstarter campaign launched

After sixteen years, plans are underway for Midnight Syndicate Live!, a one-of-a-kind, multimedia, horror-inspired Midnight Syndicate concert experience blending live music, original films, music videos, and theatre! To make this show a reality, we are calling on the greatest fans in the world for your support! We have just launched the Midnight Syndicate Live! Kickstarter campaign. Click here to find out more about the show and how you can be a part of the most exciting and important project in Midnight Syndicate history!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/524932304/midnight-syndicate-live-the-ultimate-halloween-con

Major announcement coming this Monday!

Be sure to check the Midnight Syndicate websites or your email inboxes this Monday, October 7th, for one of the biggest announcements in Midnight Syndicate history!

More critical acclaim for Midnight Syndicate's "Monsters of Legend" album

Many are calling Monsters of Legend one of, if not the, best Midnight Syndicate release to date. "The feedback we've been receiving from the fans and press alike has been overwhelming," said Edward Douglas. "We couldn't be happier with the response." Read on for more reviews from the heavy metal, Halloween, haunted house, and horror press as well as a new interview in Scary Monsters Magazine!

Halloween Overkill - "...you will be instantly transported to a foggy cliffside castle, or a romp through an ancient european forest, or even perhaps a creepy old village where something is 'not quite right'. Easily one of my favorite Midnight Syndicate releases. 5 out of 5."

Dead With Dave (Video Review) - "One of the most compelling Halloween CDs I have ever heard. In all reality, I expected nothing less from the kings of the Halloween music industry." Following the review be sure to check out a really slick promo video for Black Woods featuring horror film classic clips from over the decades!

Kingdom Horror - "The atmosphere in 'Monsters of Legend' explores classic horror and takes a journey through conventional inspiration in what may be the finest display of gothic music ever produced. 'Monsters of Legend' and the evil geniuses behind its creation that have entertained audiences for over a decade will become timeless tributes to the genre that has fascinated audiences for over a century."

Terror From Beyond the Daves - "The official start of the Halloween season. It perfectly blends atmospheric music inspired by your favorite Universal and Hammer films with sound effects, creating the perfect background, for either your yard haunt or just to listen to as you are driving!"

Darkest Jack - "This is a must have for any horror fan... It's what they do best at their best. Monsters of Legend is destined to become a legend in its own right."

Hammer Horror Podcast (Australia) - A really interesting review from podcasters listening to Midnight Syndicate for the first time. The team includes a scholar of Hammer Films (who shares some great info on Hammer composers) as well as two promo producers. A unique perspective. Glad they enjoyed it!

Horror Talk - "With 'Monsters of Legend', the band has completely knocked it out of the park... they have taken it to another level."

Bite Size Music Reviews (Mantaray Pictures) - "...their most accomplished work. If you are a lover of horror films in any capacity, you'll cherish their latest"

Metal Asylum - "8.5 out of 10"

Pop Culture Review - "If you are making plans for a Halloween party this October, Monsters of Legend is the perfect background music for the season."

The Year of Halloween - "Particularly, "Black Woods" and "It's Alive!" had me giving Midnight Syndicate a standing ovation"

Scary Monsters Magazine (Issue #89) - interview with Edward Douglas

Legends of Horror - showcase on Midnight Syndicate

Join Midnight Syndicate on YouTube

The Halloween season is upon us!   We've uploaded new video montages for Stone Guardians, Carriage Ride, and Twilight from Monsters of Legend to help get you in the mood!   Be sure to stop by Midnight Syndicate on YouTube and check them out.  If you enjoy what you see and here, be sure to subscribe to us there!   Big announcement coming next week!

"Monsters of Legend" receives more high praise. Critics calling it a landmark release.

 

Monsters of Legend is earning high praise from both fans and critics alike.  Many are calling it the band's best, most impressive work to date.  The fiends at Dread Central lead off this second group of reviews.  Click on the links to see what reviewers are hearing and saying about the new album.   Subscribe to Midnight Syndicate's YouTube Channel to receive updates on more preview tracks in the coming weeks!

Dread Central - “This is what Midnight Syndicate does best: dark, goth instrumental orchestrations that fit a general theme and provide an excellent mental backdrop to all things horror. As evidenced by their recent forays into film scores, their compositions have thickened dramatically since the ‘Born of the Night ‘ days, giving ‘Monsters of Legend‘ an epic feel that fits the monsters.

‘Monsters of Legend’ represents the pinnacle of this kind of music. They pretty much invented it and refuse to give up the crown to any newcomers. Much like these titans of cinema, Midnight Syndicate are proving to be timeless and unshakable, continuing to provide amazing music for all of our nightmares.”

Rue Morgue (Canada) - “Extremely cinematic in scope and feel, ‘Monsters of Legend’ is an album tailored for grown-up monster kids. It will appeal to horror fans of every shade.”

Dr. Zombie's Horror Blog - “To say that the duo of Gavin Goszka and Edward Douglas have outdone themselves is an understatement of negligent proportions. ‘Monsters of Legend’ is a masterpiece and the single best album of their dozen plus to date. The level of musical sophistication on ‘Monsters of Legends’ is far and above anything Midnight Syndicate have done previously. It is simultaneously evocative and chilling.”

Black Veil Gothic (UK) – “I’ve listened to a lot of filmscore music and this has to be the best album for any horror film since Silva Screen produced their Hammer/Vampire compilations in the early 90′s. Midnight Syndicate’s scariest symphonic monsterpiece yet!” 

Ramblings from the Black Lagoon - “Syndicate's best album since ‘The 13th Hour’...and that's saying something since I thought their previous offering, 2012's ‘Carnival Arcane,‘ was a damned masterpiece! When compared against the two original albums, which this album references, you cannot help but be struck by how much this duo has evolved not only as composers, but as musicians.”

Games Gazette (UK) - “...majestical masterpieces that one can envisage being heard in concert at the Royal Albery Hall or the Festival Hall (Southbank) performed by a Philharmonic Orchestra of renown... a powerful CD with a definitive theme.”

Louisville Halloween - "richer and more symphonic than anything they’ve released before, represents these two artists at the absolute peak of their talent. Perhaps the theme of classic monster cinema has connected with Douglas and Goszka’s best childhood Halloween memories and inspired their best work to date." 

Black Gate – “Midnight Syndicate has really outdone themselves this time.”

Forgotten Flix - “a dark and beautiful journey through the Theater of the Mind from the biggest, and best, name in the Halloween music genre....It will leave you longing for the movies and cinematic horrors it celebrates.”

Shawn "Knightmist" Micallef Blog & Reviews – “it’s the perfect soundtrack for the mind. The creatures of old will certainly come to life in your imagination as you enjoy this great album.”

Midnight Spookhouse - “5 out of 5 - a beautiful set of truly thought-provoking melodies but it runs far deeper and darker than that. You will literally feel the intentions of each track of the disc.”

Haunt Review Crew - “a legendary piece of music!”

Plus, check out a new interview with Edward Douglas by Count Gore DeVol on Creature Feature.

Edward Douglas and Maurizio Guarini of Goblin team up for film scoring panel at Toronto's Festival of Fear

Midnight Syndicate's Edward Douglas will be teaming up with Maurizio Guarini of Goblin for a film scoring panel entitled An Ear For Fear at this weekend's Rue Morgue Festival of Fear in Toronto.  They will be joined by Rue Morgue's Mark R. Hassan and Aaron Von Lupton as they discuss the process behind creating a horror film score, their favorite soundtracks, what makes an effective horror score, and trends in film scoring today.   Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear is a part of Fan Expo Canada in Toronto this weekend (August 22-25).

"Axe Giant: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" Unleashed!

Feel the earth shake and your heart pound as you come face to face with an angry American legend. This epic original score features thunderous orchestral themes blended with early American instrumentation. Purchase the CD and DVD at the Midnight Syndicate Store now! Listen to the Axe Giant Main Title preview track on YouTube!

First preview track from the "Axe Giant" Soundtrack posted.

Check out the first preview track from the Axe Giant the Wrath of Paul Bunyan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, on YouTube!    The soundtrack will be unleashed this Friday, August 16th!

"Monsters of Legend" CD Release Party photos posted

 

We've just posted photos from Monsters of Legend CD Release Party on Facebook.   Many thanks to everyone who came out and made the party a great success!  Special thanks to our photographer Rex B Hamilton, our sponsor and co-set designers Screamline Studios.  A special shout out to Jason Blaszczak for the incredible prop and to Shaun Moffett and Chris Virgilio who went above and beyond the call of duty for teardown. A very special thanks to Geoff Beck of Shutter Productions for the great set pieces and the Golden Age of Horror video compilation that not only captivated guests but set the perfect mood throughout the night.  To Jeff Glatzer - thanks for bringing FRANKENSTEIN to the party and Rick Davis of DAFE for the hearse!! Keith Martin and Hogwash for the sound system and Red Reign FX for the incredible Frankenstein prop.- winner, Ron Garsteck of Ghoulardifest - is one lucky (and very happy) guy!  Thank you also to Roger Miller, Beth Miller, and Katie Lane for disturbing more than a few guests!

Could "Monsters of Legend" be the best Midnight Syndicate CD yet? First set of reviews posted.

The first round of reviews for Monsters of Legend CD are out and all early reports seem to indicate that Midnight Syndicate has indeed created a monster!

Gregory Burkart from FEARnet has this to say.

FEARnet -  "...their most elaborate and entertaining creation to date... MONSTERS OF LEGEND takes that storytelling aspect to the next level, creating a full-scale sense of cinema and casting you, the listener, as the protagonist in a classic horror film... The nostalgic fun-factor alone is enough for me to rank this record among my all-time favorite Midnight Syndicate creations, but it also satisfies the horror soundtrack fiend in me... "



Mr. Frights shares a cool story about his first experience listening to the album on a dark and foggy drive through the mountains and writes:

Mr. Frights - "...a CD that I want to play over and over again... as masterful as any of the previous albums. But this one is special....helped create one of the BEST spooky experiences ever!   The terror this CD induced compels me to give this CD four (out of four) full screams!"


Tim Gross of Gross Movie Reviews writes:

Gross Movie Reviews - "...their best work to date.  I cannot stress how much this CD touched the old school monster nerve inside of me. Midnight Syndicate has upped their game to unbelievable heights. Plain and simple if you don’t own a copy of this great Universal Monster inspired CD then I just don’t know how you can call yourself a horror fan....a very memorable CD for horror fans to enjoy for years to come....4 out of 4 stars.

City Blood - "MONSTERS OF LEGEND is one of Midnight Syndicate's best albums to date and features great stories told through the art of music. The icons of horror are brought to the forefront and have been unleashed upon the listeners of this horrifying CD. Highly recommended.

In addition to the written review on City Blood, you can also listen to an audio version of the review featuring several preview tracks and check out City Blood's interview with Edward Douglas.

Theofantastique - "this album hits the right notes, and in this reviewer’s estimation, is one of the best Midnight Syndicate has produced."

Designing the Fear - "The tracks echo the classic monsters but it tosses in Midnight Syndicate’s classic traits that will make your ear drums bleed in excitement....full of Easter Eggs for the classic monster fans...I loved every second.... it is up there with my all time favorite Midnight Syndicate albums. I highly recommend it."

Visit Justine's Halloween Blog as she walks you through the disc and shares her interpretations of the different songs through descriptions and classic imagery.  



Behind the Thrills - "The legends are there, but in an all new light.  You can almost hear Bernard Herrmann humming along in approval....a 'classic' Midnight Syndicate release."

Music's Underworld -  "
the album really brings to the table what it promises:  an atmospheric journey back in time where Lugosi's Count Dracula or Karloff's Frankenstein's monster could be lurking just around the corner..."

 You can purchase the Monsters of Legend album (CD or 12" vinyl versions available) at the Midnight Syndicate Store, iTunes, CDBaby, or your local Halloween retailer.   Click here to hear the preview tracks: It Lives!, Lord of the Realm, and Carriage Ride.  More reviews and updates coming soon.

"Monsters of Legend" album is unleashed!

 

Monsters of Legend has arrived!  This “tribute to the golden age of horror” is inspired by horror films from the silent era, Universal Studios’ horror classics, Hammer Films, and other European horror films of the 60s and 70s. It features sweeping symphonic horror instrumental music and sound effects in the signature style the band helped pioneer. "We want to make you feel like you are a character in one of those classic horror films - that you've entered a world where any one of those iconic Universal monsters could be right around the corner," said composer Edward Douglas. The CD artwork features original images from classic Universal Studios horror movies including Bride of Frankenstein, Werewolf of London, and Dracula. 

“Those classic horror films are at the core of what we do in Midnight Syndicate, so to do an entire disc based on them was a lot fun,” added Douglas. “Musically it required us to use more traditional orchestral instruments, and use them in more ways than we have in the past. The result is a fuller orchestral sound with a heavy classical music influence. There are plenty of nods to James Bernard, Bernard Herrmann, and other early film composers.” Although the band promises the new disc will deliver the dark atmosphere haunted house designers, roleplaying gamers, and Halloween music enthusiasts expect from them, they feel they've crafted a disc that transcends their favorite time of the year. “Like Carnival Arcane, we feel we’ve taken things up a notch both musically and with the sound design on this release,” said Gavin Goszka. “There’s a lot there to listen to and lose yourself in.”

In addition to over 50 minutes of new music, the band went back into its archives and recreated several tracks from Born of the Night and Realm of Shadows, bringing the total runtime of the disc to over 65 minutes. “Both the new CD and those older releases are set in and around the mysterious hamlet of Arcacia.  We felt it would be a great opportunity to breathe new life into a few hidden gems from those albums to help tell this story," said Douglas.   For additional atmosphere the band called on voiceover artist Dick Terhune. “Dick’s known throughout the haunted house industry as the “Voice from Hell,” needless to say he was the perfect match for this disc,” added Goskza.

The CD and a COLLECTOR'S EDITION 12" VINYL VERSION are available here.   The album is also available through iTunes, Amazon.com, and will be available in select Halloween retailers beginning in August.  

Midnight Syndicate CD "Monsters of Legend" release party tonight!

 

 

Grab your favorite classic horror-themed costume and celebrate with Midnight Syndicate's Gavin Goszka and Edward Douglas as they debut the new, Monsters of Legend CD at The Boneyard (5900 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights, OH). The party is free, all ages, and open to the public.

COSTUME CONTEST - Everyone who arrives to the party in costume can have their photo taken by haunt photographer, Rex B. Hamilton. Photos will be posted here and Facebook. Additionally, the best costume (as chosen by a secret panel of judges) will receive a great prize package including a weapon prop, slip mask, bottle of latex, and a Sins of Skin tutorial DVD from Screamline Studios, a RARE Midnight Syndicate self-titled CD, Haunting Makeup Vol. 1 and 2 from Shutter Productions, and other Midnight Syndicate merchandise.

We will also be holding a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind hand-made prop from Red Reign FX.  Click here to check it out!

Doors open at 7:30pm. At 8pm, Gavin and Ed will introduce the CD and talk a bit about the creation process. Afterwards, both will be on hand to meet with guests and sign copies of the new CD (which will be available for purchase along with other great NEW merchandise). There will also be giveaways throughout the night. The Boneyard is just 2 minutes from the I-271 Mayfield Road exit and has an excellent restaurant and a large videogame arcade which will be open before, during, and after the party.

New "Monsters of Legend" preview track, "Lord of the Realm" unleashed exclusively on Bloody Disgusting!

 

Bloody Disgusting has just released Lord of the Realm, and exclusive new track from the upcoming Monsters of Legend CD!   Check it out here!

New "Monsters of Legend" preview track,"Carriage Ride," posted on FEARnet!

 

 

Your carriage awaits you.... Carriage Ride, the second preview track from the upcoming Monsters of Legend CD, is now available to listen to exclusively at FEARnet online.   Dim the lights and enjoy....

Pre-orders for "Monsters of Legend" CD and limited edition 12" Vinyl version now being taken

 

 

Pre-orders for  Midnight Syndicate's upcoming Monsters of Legend CD are now being taken at the Midnight Syndicate Store.

 

In addition to the CD version of the album, we are also offering a very special collector's edition 12" vinyl version. These are part of a one-time, limited run of 250 and will be available on a first come first serve basis while supplies last. Each vinyl album comes hand-numbered, expertly packed, and can be autographed by Gavin Goszka and Edward Douglas per your specifications. Every vinyl purchase also comes with the CD version of the album.

 

 

While you are at the Midnight Syndicate Store be sure to check out the Midnight Syndicate T-Shirt Section.  We've added a new Midnight Syndicate Glow-In-The-Dark t-shirt as well as reprinted several of our most popular designs (available in sizes SMALL through XXXL).

Celebrate with Midnight Syndicate at the "Monsters of Legend" CD Release Party, July 18th at The Boneyard in Mayfield Hts OH

 

Grab your favorite classic horror-themed costume and celebrate with Midnight Syndicate's Gavin Goszka and Edward Douglas as they debut the new, Monsters of Legend CD at The Boneyard (5900 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights, OH). The party is free, all ages, and open to the public.

COSTUME CONTEST - Everyone who arrives to the party in costume can have their photo taken by haunt photographer, Rex B. Hamilton. Photos will be posted here and Facebook. Additionally, the best costume (as chosen by a secret panel of judges) will receive a great prize package including props from Screamline Studios, a one-of-a-kind hand-made prop from Red Reign FX a RARE Midnight Syndicate self-titled CD, and other Midnight Syndicate merchandise.

Doors open at 7:30pm. At 8pm, Gavin and Ed will introduce the CD and talk a bit about the creation process. Afterwards, both will be on hand to meet with guests and sign copies of the new CD (which will be available for purchase along with other great NEW merchandise). There will also be giveaways throughout the night. The Boneyard is just 2 minutes from the I-271 Mayfield Road exit and has an excellent restaurant and a large videogame arcade which will be open before, during, and after the party.

It Lives! First preview track from "Monsters of Legend" CD released.

 

Midnight Syndicate revealed a glimpse at their upcoming Monsters of Legend CD today when they posted the track, It Lives! on their YouTube Channel.  The video features some of the images that inspired the track along with a short montage at the end which will give fans a quick taste of what is to come.  Pre-orders for the Monsters of Legend CD and limited-edition 12" vinyl version will begin next week.   The full CD will be unleashed July 19th.   More preview tracks and new Midnight Syndicate merchandise will also be coming soon.

New interview with Edward Douglas on City Blood

A new interview with Midnight Syndicate's Edward Douglas has just been posted on the haunted house website, City Blood.  In the interview they discuss the origins and history of the band as well as the upcoming Monsters of Legend release and more.