The reviews are in..."Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering" is a hit!

Response to Midnight Syndicate's Yuletide monsterpiece, Christmas A Ghostly Gathering from both fans and the media has been amazing.  Many people are calling it one of Midnight Syndicate's greatest albums ever!  See what the media is saying below or listen for yourself via our Christmas A Ghostly Gathering Playlist on YouTube, where you can preview ten tracks from the album set to some of the imagery that inspired the music.  The album can be purchased here, or on Amazon, iTunes, and CDBaby!

Dread Central – “The masters of All Hallow’s Eve have found another holiday to conquer... Midnight Syndicate have become iconic.  You can count on every release to represent a specific sound that they have mastered, and that’s what we have here... a haunted Christmas wonderland...  If you enjoy Christmas as well as the spookier side of life, this will be an excellent addition to your collection.”

Mortis Media – “A Christmas miracle... It is the ability to weave the fine line between the light and dark sides of the holidays musically, that makes ‘Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering’ one of the best albums, holiday or not, that this author has heard in recent memory.”    

Rue Morgue Magazine – Featured Album of the Month (December, 2015) – “...holiday music redone with Midnight Syndicate’s unique stamp reflecting beauty, fantasy, and the supernatural.  Imagine Danny Elfman and Pyotr Tchaikovsky scoring a Tim Burton version of ‘Christmas Carol’ and you’re not far off.  Ideal for horror fans wishing to add a touch of crimson and black as they gather ‘round the tree this year.”

Games Gazette (UK) – “This CD has transformed Christmas from the light and lyrical frolic it has become to the exciting holiday it was when we were kids.   Instantly recognisable classic tunes played in a manner only Midnight Syndicate can offer and some classics in the making.  The best sounds you will hear this Yule.”

Dead With Dave – “The same Midnight Syndicate that set the standard for the entire Halloween music genre are doing Christmas. I'll admit, I had my doubts... until I listened to it..... I will say without a doubt in my mind that this is officially my new favorite Christmas album. I absolutely love it!

Horror Talk - "The beauty of Midnight Syndicate's work is they're not making it obnoxiously or stereotypically bleak... they are subtle with their darkness. Midnight Syndicate constantly amazes me on one-upping their prior release, and damn if they haven't done it again here. If you are a horror fan, there is no excuse not to have 'Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering' on your shelf."

America’s Most Haunted – “An instant classic. Lovers of Christmas music in general will appreciate their exquisitely produced, alternately lovely, stirring, haunting, and festive holiday reveries.  Midnight Syndicate has made the season their own.”

Gross Movie Reviews – “They have taken soundtracks to a whole new level with every new release and ‘Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering' is no different.  It not only gets the heart pumping for the Halloween season but makes even the darkest, soulless individual excited for the Christmas season.  Beautiful, perfect, mesmerizing... 4 out of 4!”

Mr. Frights – “The perfect companion to any horrorfile’s holiday... Easily my new favorite Christmas album...  fans old and new shouldn’t be without this essential collection of music.  4 out of 4!”

City Blood – “Midnight Syndicate’s take on classic Christmas carols is like nothing I’ve heard before... beautiful yet haunting.”

Black Gate – ‘Midnight Syndicate Does It Again’ – “And once again, the boys deliver – in a wonderfully different and unexpected way – A Christmas album.  Charmingly haunting... I honestly love every track.”

  

Designing The Fear – “Ed and Gavin have brought the chills once again!  From the moment this CD arrived it has been on constant play.  There is no doubt that this will be our soundtrack from now till Christmas.”

The Inscriber Magazine – “This album is a must have ...The music is at times somber and morose, hauntingly beautiful, and even devilishly playful, but it is at all times very entertaining. “

Cryptic Corridor –  “True re-imaginings of the Christmas songs you've heard so many times before.... For a moment I forgot that I was listening to a Midnight Syndicate record and got swept up in the majestic awe captured here.... This album defies the conventions of the Christmas albums that flood the airwaves. Bursting with creativity and imagination... a perfect alternative for anyone looking for a truly unique listening experience this holiday season.”

Horror Addicts –  “Midnight Syndicate have wrought their monsterpiece.”

Ramblings From The Black Lagoon – “What sets this apart from other "dark" Christmas offerings, is that Goszka and Douglas don't try to add a Halloween flavor to Yuletide tunes at all, but instead plumb the rich history of the 19th century Christmas Ghost Story genre. This is a Christmas album, through and through, not a Halloween disc in a Santa suit. There is a purely enchanting, joyous and (dare I say it) merry element that invokes a feeling of mystery, while still warming the soul. It's the musical equivalent of looking out the window onto a cold winter's night, while curled up next to a fireplace.”

Knightmist –  “Christmas A Ghostly Gathering isn’t your normal offering for this time of year...it can be enjoyed at any time due to the way the group worked their musical magic.”

Justine’s Halloween – “I wondered how they would strike that balance of Christmas themes and spooky music.  It can be tricky to do a spooky take on Christmas... This album struck the perfect balance for me! The music is beautiful and strikes an eerie chord while remaining respectful to the Christmas classics.”

  

Indie Chick – “Guaranteed to warm even the coldest blood of your favorite dark soul or Goth this holiday season.  Amazing holiday tracks!”

Two Crows Paranormal – “The album is a perfect mix of original material from the band, blended with their own take on such classics.   The entire album is spectacular.”

Tiffany Apan – “The soundtrack as a whole ranges from dark and sinister to absolutely beautiful and symphonic while painting a picture of a vast wintry landscape with the moon high above and a medieval castle in the distance.  (Midnight Syndicate) continues to not disappoint.”

Black Veil Gothic (UK) – “If you want Christmas music with a dark feel and the cheese removed then this is for you!”

New Dance Remix of "Alchemist's Chamber"

Looking for some danceable Midnight Syndicate Halloween music‬ for your‬ Halloween parties? Check out this BRAND NEW REMIX of Alchemist's Chamber from Waning Moon. Available on iTunes now!!

Midnight Syndicate Live! Legacy of Shadows thrilling audiences at Cedar Point's HalloWeekends

Midnight Syndicate Live! Legacy of Shadows has been thrilling audiences at Cedar Point's HalloWeekends since they opened Friday, September 12th.   The multimedia Halloween music horror music concert is being called "top-notch and ambitious," "brilliant and artistically creative," and "a must see" by audiences and press alike (see Reviews).  "We couldn't be happier with how the show came together," said Edward Douglas.  "We have an incredible cast and crew, the set and films look great, HalloWeekends and the Ghoultime Theatre are a perfect venue, and the response has been absolutely amazing."  In addition to enjoying their first live performances together, both Edward and Gavin Goszka are holding meet-and-greets with guests after every show at the Midnight Syndicate merch tent outside the theater.  "One of the highlights for both of us has been being able to meet and talk with everyone after the shows," added Gavin.  "It's been great getting feedback from both long-time fans as well as new audiences." Midnight Syndicate Live! Legacy of Shadows runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from now through November 1st.   For showtimes, click here. For more information on Cedar Point's Halloweekends, click here.  Midnight Syndicate Live! was produced in coordination with Robert Kurtzman's Creature Corps, Screamline Studios, and 529 Films.  Photos by Stephen Franczek - Invertalon Photography

"Monsters of Legend" makes FEARnet's Top 13 Horror CDs of 2013

Monsters of Legend has made FEARnet's Top 13 Horror CDs of 2013.   From the article: “The Halloween music masters topped themselves this year with Monsters of Legend, a gorgeous tribute to monsters of the silver screen... One of the best lights-out listening experiences of the year."  Other artists mentioned include Midnight Syndicate influences Black Sabbath, Nine Inch Nails, and Rob Zombie.  Read the full article here.   Listen to Monsters of Legend here!

Midnight Syndicate music featured in tonight's premier of "Carvers" on SyFy Channel

 

Midnight Syndicate's music serves as part of the backdrop in the pilot of Carvers premiering on the SyFy Channel at 10|9c TONIGHT. Check out the preview here! Carvers is a show about artists who sculpt using everything from pumpkins and butter to chocolate, cheese, and other unconventional materials. This first show takes place at the mega amusement park Ocean Park Hong Kong who has been using Midnight Syndicate's music in their Halloween attractions for over ten years. We're looking forward to tuning in tonight! Check out the official Carvers Facebook page. 

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!

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.

"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.  

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!

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).

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.

Midnight Syndicate's new "Monsters of Legend" CD to be unleashed July 19th

 

On July 19, Midnight Syndicate will release it's sixteenth studio album, Monsters of Legend.  This "tribute to the golden age of horror" will feature sweeping symphonic horror instrumental music and sound effects in the signature style the band pioneered. "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 the iconic characters from the Universal Horror and Hammer Films could be right around the corner," said composer Edward Douglas.

 

The CD artwork features original images from classic Universal Studios horror movies including Frankenstein, Werewolf of London, and Dracula.  "Listeners will hear the influence of the Universal Monster, Hammer, and Euro Horror films from the 30s through the 70s, not only in the music but in the images the songs conjure," added Gavin Goszka.  Although the band promises the new disc will deliver the dark atmosphere haunted attractions, roleplaying gamers, and Halloween enthusiasts expect from them, they feel they've crafted a disc that transcends their favorite time of the year.   "As we did on Carnival Arcane, we're always trying to take things up a notch both musically and with the sound design.  There is a lot going on in this one.   Plenty to pull you in, spark your imagination, and keep hold of you anytime you're looking to visit that mysterious place in your mind's eye."

 

The CD will be available for pre-order the first week in July.  In addition to other new merchandise, Entity Productions Halloween Music will be releasing a special edition 12" vinyl version of the Monsters of Legend album, hand-numbered and limited to 250 copies.

"Axe Giant" premieres on the SyFy Channel tonight!

Axe Giant: The Wrath of Paul Bunyan (formerly Bunyan) will premiere on the SyFy Channel tonight, June 13th at 9pm EST and 1am EST!   This monster movie directed by Gary Jones (Spiders, Mosquito, Xena, Hercules) and scored by Midnight Syndicate's Edward Douglas is a fun, horrific spin on the tall tale of Paul Bunyan.  For more information, check out our previous post and the trailer below.  Be on the lookout for the Axe Giant: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (available through Entity Productions Halloween Music and Midnight Syndicate Soundtracks) coming soon!

Edward Douglas honored locally, inducted into Cleveland's Independent Filmmakers' Hall of Fame

Edward Douglas was inducted into the Independent Filmmakers' Hall of Fame at the Indie Gathering's Horror Hotel event in Hudson, Ohio, this past weekend. The award is given in recognition of "significant contributions, achivements, and outstanding dedication to the independent filmmaking community." Citing Edward's accomplishments in film scoring, the licensing of Midnight Syndicate's music, and the directing of his own film, Executive Director Ray Szuch added "You're not going to find a nicer guy. When I know someone like (Ed), I really like to watch how they work with other people.... that's what turns me on. The individual." Last year's Hall of Fame inductee was FX legend/director, Robert Kurtzman (KNB FX, Creature Corps).

The award was presented by the Indie Gathering International Film Festival, an event which draws filmmakers from around the globe to Cleveland every August. Listed as one of Movie Maker Magazine's Top 25 film festivals for networking, the event exists to showcase the independent filmmaker. Filmmakers participate in their screenings and after the films speak with audience members who seek a closer look into the creative process. The festival features over one hundred films from around the world; twenty hours of film lectures and panel discussions; a convention room with special guests; networking parties; acting, stunt and FX competitions, and more. This year's festival will be held August 16th, 17th and 18th at The Clarion Inn in Hudson, OH. For more information, click here.

Midnight Syndicate's "Monsters of Legend" CD update

Edward Douglas shared some more information on what fans can expect from Midnight Syndicate's upcoming Monsters of Legend CD (mid-July) on Facebook today. 

"Our approach on this upcoming album is to transport you 'into' the world of classic horror films by Universal, Hammer Films, and others. We want you to feel like you've been dropped right into one of those films - a mysterious world where any creature could be lurking in a shadowy forest or passing by your window at night.... As we did in The 13th Hour and Carnival Arcane we try to achieve this through music and sound design. This will be another great disc to listen to with headphones in a darkened room.

So, as oppposed to creating a song for each classic Universal Monsters film and making it more of a compilation, our plan is to put you in a world where the monsters are very real and allow you to explore it. And although we've saved some creatures for the next album, there will be plenty to keep you up at night.... We are in the final mixing stage now and are really excited about this disc!

The image above is from the Mario Bava classic Black Sunday (1960), one of the many films that inspired the album.

Production on upcoming tribute to Universal Monsters and Hammer Horror coming along

Big production meeting for the upcoming Monsters of Legend CD yesterday.   Edward Douglas had this to say on Facebook.  "This is always my favorite phase in the creation of a disc. At this point, the songs have been written and Gavin and I have been working on finalizing arrangements. It's always exciting to hear/share what we've done and it's at this stage that you really begin to get a good idea of what the final disc will sound like. Needless to say, we're both pretty excited about this one.  We're right on track for a July release!"