Listen up Deadites! Gruesome Joe here with the latest installment of the Musical Morgue right here on Rotting Flesh Radio.
This week, I’ve got an album so hot off the press, it hasn’t even been available for a full week yet. I’m talking about the one and only Midnight Syndicate and their 14th studio album Carnival Arcane. The CD just came out earlier this week, it is the bands first carnival or circus themed album, and I think was well worth the wait.
The album takes us back to the turn of the century, to the Lancaster-Rigby Carnival, where things are not quite what they seem. With 25 great tracks, Midnight Syndicate leaves very little ground uncovered, as they take the listener through the freakshow, into the mirror maze, to the fortune teller, on a carousel ride, and more. There really isn’t an avenue they didn’t explore with this CD. You can tell the immense amount of planning that went into this disc, because the CD plays with its own storyline—it’s not simply a collection of songs with a common theme. They literally pull us through the guts of this horrible carnival and in the end, we don’t know if we’ve made it out alive, or if we’ve become a permanent fixture in the circus itself.
Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka both have done a tremendous job with this album integrating very cool ambient environments into the actual music. I actually think this is one of the best parts of this new album—this CD, much like other Midnight Syndicate albums, has a very movie-soundtrack feel. But this album takes it one step further, especially with the way it has been produced. It actually sounds like these recordings were taken from scenes in a movie. They’ve incorporated actor voiceovers, lots of ambient sound effects, really slick mixing and mastering, and have paired tracks together to create a series of vignettes within the 25 tracks, that I think all contribute to the cohesive carnival storyline. That’s not to say that any track on this disc couldn’t stand alone—because they all very easily could. But it’s that continually evolving musical story that has caught my ear, and I think has raised the bar for Midnight Syndicate yet again.
With 25 tracks (well, maybe 26 if you listen closely… hehehe) there is no possible way I can give you Deadites a preview of each of them like I have in the past. So what I’d like to do to give you a good feel for the album is to highlight a few of my favorites. The first of which has to be the very first track on the album, “Mesonoxian Visitors.” This track quite literally brings the circus into town and begins the madness.
(“Mesonoxian Visitors” clip)
One of my favorite things about this album is how well Ed and Gavin have mixed in ambient sounds and effects to create incredibly awesome soundscapes. I think “Mesonoxian Visitors” in particular is a perfect beginning to the disc by showing off their skills and introducing you to their style. Later on in the album, Ed and Gavin utilized ambience-only, or minimally musical, tracks to further the ambient qualities of the album and give us some really sinister work. Tracks such as “Cheval Glass” and “Sea of Laughter” come to mind here.
(“Cheval Glass” and “Sea of Laughter” clips)
The thing I most enjoyed about this album was how the tracks have been arranged to fall into a naturally progressing storyline. They’ve paired track together such as “Madame Zora,” a predominantly ambient track with a voiceover, and the track “Agent of Fortune” to build small vignettes for your ear, but maintain the effective usefulness of the two separate pieces. If you were running a haunted house and wanted the ambient voiceover, you wouldn’t need to cut the track yourself—Ed and Gavin have already done that one for you. Conversely, if you wanted to use a track in your ‘mystic room’ then there’s no need to cut the opening voiceover out—it’s already done. I like that they’ve taken into consideration the usefulness of their tracks within the haunt industry, knowing how to present pieces to their fans that they’ll easily incorporate into their haunted houses. The later half of the album is particularly good at this concept, because track after track are all specific to a particular area of a circus or carnival, so the usefulness of the album as a whole is tremendous.
One of my favorite tracks on the album has to be the 15th track on the album, “Carousel Ride.” I love how this track gradually decays and the incorporation of sound effects becomes greater as the track progresses. We start off with a very clean, old sounding carousel accompaniment, but as the track wears on, the evil behind the ride comes into full light.
(“Carousel Ride” clip)
There were several tracks on this album that I feel strayed from the more traditional “Midnight Syndicate Sound” than I would have expected. I in no way mean that as a bad thing—long time listeners of Midnight Syndicate have become accustomed to their signature sound. Huge strings, pounding tympani’s, it all contributes to the very epic nature of Midnight Syndicate music. I find this new style to be incredibly exciting, and I think the musicality of both Ed and Gavin expanded greatly with this album. The tracks “Under the Big Top” and “Agent of Fortune” come instantly to mind here. They’re both much brighter, bouncier tunes than I would have expected from Midnight Syndicate, but that maintain that signature Midnight Syndicate sound. Here’s a quick clip from the two:
(“Under the Big Top” and “Agent of Fortune” clips)
Keeping with that fun nature, there’s a great track on the album called “Dr. Atmore’s Elixirs of Good Humour and Fortification” that I absolutely love. It’s a ridiculously fun track, and yet again makes me wish I had been a traveling “Doctor” of sorts in the day selling my bottles of… well… whatever I had on hand.
(“Dr. Atmore’s…” clip)
The first half of the album does really well at establishing the circus vibe as well as developing the very mystical themes of the CD. The later half provides a very wide selection of tracks that are each focused on one particular element of the circus. Tracks such as “Freakshow,” “Pulling the Strings,” “Goons & Greasepaint,” “Kiddieland,” and “Krellsig’s Kastle of Fun” all contribute to the various different scenes you might find at an old carnival. All of these tracks use lots of ambient sound effects and voiceovers paired up with distinct musical compositions that further enhance the complete track. The best of which (I think!) is “Goons & Greasepaint.” I bet within just a few moments of listening to this track, you’ll know where this one is going…
(“Goons & Greasepaint” clip)
Overall, I think this is an absolutely tremendous album by Midnight Syndicate and I’m going to give it a full 5 out of 5 skulls. I find all of the compositions to be quite perfect for the subject matter of the track, and find that all of the ambient qualities and effects mixing are done in a way that really enhances the atmosphere of the tracks without sounding forced or contrived. I also like that Midnight Syndicate has maintained their epic signature sound, but have continued to grow musically and have offered up several tracks are noticeably out of their comfort zone, but that are equally as effective and sound awesome.
I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this CD for your collection or for your own haunted attraction, especially if you have any circus or carnival themed areas. I think that this CD blows all of the other circus haunt music CD’s out there completely out of the water. If you’re looking to get away from all the oom-pa-pa and calliope sounding CD’s, then this is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
You can pick up a copy of Carnival Arcane on the band’s website right now at MidnightSyndicate.com, as well as on iTunes, Amazon.com, or at select Hot Topic stores starting August 8. The album will also be available starting in September at seasonal Halloween retailers such as Halloween Express and Halloween City, but I recommend you pick up your copy well before then.
Well Deadites, that about does it for this week here in the Morgue. Be sure to check out GruesomeJoe.com to check out the written version of my review, as well as all the links to buy the album directly from Ed and Gavin at MidnightSyndicate.com. I’m Gruesome Joe and I’ll be chilling out here in the Morgue, waiting for you… until next time…
With Spring finally starting to peek around the corner, the air is absolutely charged as we’re heading full-tilt into convention season. Conventions are one of my favorite parts of the Horror and Haunted Attraction industries, and I was thrilled to finally be able to visit HorrorHound Weekend this year in Indianapolis, IN. It was tremendous fun–celebrities, great music, awesome parties, crazy freakshows, and more. I stopped to snap a few photos and did some video of the event–I hope you enjoy them!
I had a great conversation with Edward Douglas of Midnight Syndicate. I’m not sure if many of you Deadites are aware, but Midnight Syndicate is coming out with a new album in August called Carnival Arcane which will be a circus themed album (and long overdue, if I do say so myself!). Ed is tremendously excited about this release (as am I), and you can bet you’ll get a review of it as soon as I have a copy! Ed is a very talented composer and always a great guy to chat with. I was very happy to see him and catch up at the show. Ed–if you’re reading this, hope to see you and Sarah at Midwest Haunters!
Along the way, I was also able to meet a couple other well-known Horror icons, such as Catriona MacColl (of House by the Cemetery, The Beyond, City of the Dead, etc. fame) and Lloyd Kaufman (CEO/Director/Mastermind behind Troma Entertainment). Lloyd has been an inspiration ever since I was a kid watching the Toxic Avenger movies as well as all the other b-grade masterpieces Troma releases (Rabid Grannies, Cannibal the Musical, Terror Firmer… the list goes on and on!) It was really cool getting to chat with him about Troma’s latest film Poultrygeist, especially as I found it just as entertaining as the first time I saw the Toxic Avenger.
It was also cool getting to meet Catriona MacColl, as I’m a rabid Lucio Fulci fan and House by the Cemetery has to have one of the most beautiful and well made scores I have ever heard. I only wish I could have met Walter (Romano) Rizzati too! That would have been a picture I would have killed to have taken!
Dario Argento was supposed to make it to the festival this year, but unfortunately had to cancel last minute. That would have been quite the collection of Italian horror filmmakers and actors in one location–a very cool idea! What I would love to see is a gathering of the Italian directors and composers from the time (if they’re still alive of course) go into the discussion of atmospheric elements and how the scores were composed and what considerations were made for different parts of the films. Maybe that’s just me being a crazy Horror music nerd, but hey–that’s what I’m here for!
And of course, you can’t have a crazy fun convention weekend without some crazy fun parties… I’ll leave that one to your imagination–but here’s some of the Cutthroat Freak Show I witnessed in the hallways during the Saturday night party. If you get a chance to see (or book!) Cutthroat Freak Show, definitely pay him well–he puts on a great show and the crowds love him!
Well Deadites, I hope this little update has been a fun one! Be sure to keep your ears on the ready–I’ve been collecting a small army of albums to review, and you’ll be able to hear them very soon on Rotting Flesh Radio. I’ll also be doing some AWESOME coverage of Midwest Haunters Convention coming up in June, as well as gearing up for an exciting 2011 haunt season (details will be coming soon, as I have a few delectable tricks up my sleeve…)
Midnight Syndicate has been busy as all get-out and TODAY is the official launch of their film The Dead Matter. The film, and 2 bonus music CD’s are available at Hot Topic stores nation-wide NOW! The bonus CD’s included with the film DVD are the official The Dead Matter soundtrack (featuring remixes and special tracks by several awesome artists such as Jerry Vayne, Lazy Lane, and more) as well as an extra special bonus mix CD of Ed and Gavin’s favorite pieces spanning Midnight Syndicate’s vast musical legacy. This is one triple threat that you just can’t miss!
So be sure to get out to your local Hot Topic and help support these great artists, independent cinema, and original music!
Midnight Syndicate has released their latest music video “Lost” right off The Dead Matter: Cemetery Gates album. The video, produced by 529 Films, is a phenomenal treat to start our summer off on the dead… I mean, RIGHT foot. Enjoy!
Midnight Syndicate releases music video for their song, ‘Lost’ from the upcoming ‘The Dead Matter: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack’ CD. Video produced by ‘Hellementary’ creators, 529 Films.
June 23, 2010 (Cleveland, OH) – The Gothic Halloween Music group Midnight Syndicate has released a music video for their song, ‘Lost.’ Produced by 529 Films (‘Hellementary’) and directed by Andrew Smoley, the video explores ‘a supernatural theme with a decidedly Syndicate twist,’ says Midnight Syndicate’s Edward Douglas. Starring Donna Williams (‘The Dead Matter’) and Ray Goodwin, the video was shot in downtown Cleveland, at Eastlake’s Classic Field, on Interstate 90, and in Midnight Syndicate’s own backyard, historic Chardon Square. The music video will be included as an extra on ’The Dead Matter’ DVD which will be available along with the soundtrack and Midnight Syndicate’s ’Halloween Music Collection’ at all Hot Topic stores on July 30th.
The song, ’Lost,’ which first appeared on the ‘Dead Matter: Cemetery Gates’ CD is featured in the upcoming dark fantasy film ‘The Dead Matter’ and the accompanying ‘The Dead Matter: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.’
Some exciting news has been released regarding the soon to be available film The Dead Matter from Midnight Syndicate Films. If you’re a fan of Midnight Syndicate and Robert Kurtzman, you’re going to love this.
This July 30th, at every Hot Topic nationwide, a special edition The Dead Matter DVD will be released that INCLUDES 2 bonus Midnight Syndicate CD’s–the official motion picture soundtrack and a special edition 13th Anniversary Greatest Hits compilation album! In addition, they have released a new trailer for the film, which is available to view below!
This is a very exciting time for both Midnight Syndicate and their fans across the world. This film has been a long time coming, and has been given a killer opportunity to take the US by storm! Get out to your local Hot Topic on July 30th and help support independent cinema, Midnight Syndicate, and all the independent artists, actors, and designers that helped pull together such a killer project!
Below is the new trailer for the film, as well as the official press release from Midnight Syndicate!
Keep is spooky!
GJ
The Official Press Release from Midnight Syndicate:
Special edition The Dead Matter DVD set including two bonus Midnight Syndicate CDs available at all HOT TOPIC stores nationwide on July 30th. New The Dead Matter trailer released.
May 26, 2010 (Cleveland, OH) Midnight Syndicate Films has announced plans to release a special edition of The Dead Matter DVD that will include two bonus CDs by gothic Halloween music artists Midnight Syndicate. It will be available at all Hot Topic stores nationwide on July 30th. The specially-priced set will include The Dead Matter DVD, the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD by Midnight Syndicate, and a new Midnight Syndicate 13th Anniversary greatest hits CD entitled Halloween Music Collection. Midnight Syndicate Films has also released a new official trailer for The Dead Matter movie which can be viewed at the film’s revamped website, www.TheDeadMatter.com and YouTube.
The Dead Matter:Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD contains the score composed by the film’s director, Edward Douglas of Midnight Syndicate, as well as several limited-edition remixes of Midnight Syndicate songs and other music that appears in the film from bands like Lazy Lane, HipNostic, and Eternal Legacy. Midnight Syndicate’s Halloween Music Collection CD features over 60 minutes of songs hand-picked by Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka to celebrate the band’s first 13 years. Both new CDs will also be available at Halloween retailers nationwide in August.
About The Dead Matter movie:
A guilt-ridden young woman desperate to contact her deceased brother discovers a powerful ancient relic that controls the dead. Her dark obsession drags her into the tangled world of two warring vampire lords (Andrew Divoff of Lost, Wishmaster and Tom Savini of Friday the 13th, Dawn of the Dead) each with his own sinister plans for the artifact and a vampire hunter (Jason Carter of Babylon 5) who will stop at nothing to destroy it. This chilling gothic dark fantasy co-produced by Robert Kurtzman (creator of From Dusk Till Dawn, KNB FX) features a haunting score by Halloween musicians Midnight Syndicate. It’s a mix of classic horror themes with modern twists and a touch of dark humor that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About Midnight Syndicate:
Midnight Syndicate has been creating instrumental Halloween music and gothic horror fantasy soundtrack CDs for the past thirteen years. The group’s music has become a staple of the Halloween season worldwide as well as a favorite in the haunted house, amusement park, role-playing game, and gothic music industries. From Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and Hugh Hefner’s Halloween parties to Monday Night Football, X-Box games, the classic Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, and Barbara Walters specials, their CDs are designed to take listeners on a journey into the darkest corners of their imagination.
