NOTE: Distribution of this second Midnight Syndicate CD (UPC #72177-29158-27) and their third release titled "Realm of Shadows" (2000) was halted in February 2006 due to the termination of an agreement with a third party. After the 1997 lack-luster release of their multi-genre self-titled first CD, Midnight Syndicate and founding member Ed Douglas added the talents of Gavin Goszka and Joseph Vargo. The trio "turned to the dark side," and concentrated their efforts toward nurturing the sound that has made the group what it is today- the premier purveyor of gothic atmosphere music. The result was this 1998 CD called "Born of the Night." You either love the genre, or hate it. And call it what you will- Nightmare Soundtracks, Gothic Soundscapes, or Halloween Haunt Music, all describe Midnight Syndicate's work. It is both richly orchestrated and roughly dynamic, soothing and chilling, a sweet sorrow and a terrible foreboding. It is a living, breathing entity that can be a fond memory of a departed friend, or a demonic serpent coiled to strike. The production quality of this CD was first-rate. The engineering and mixing left nothing to be desired, and the "noise floor" produced by most electronic instruments was kept to a minimum. The sound effects don't sound "cheesy" with the exception of Mr Vargo's voice contributions, which in my opinion, were unnecessary and not missed in the group's future recordings. (Mr Vargo evidently left Midnight Syndicate after their third CD, and helped form another goth band called Nox Arcana and released a hand-full of CDs of the same genre.) Most of the bell tones sound like they were performed on the standard rack of tubular bells used by most orchestras. I would have preferred to hear real cast-metal bells. But these are extremely expensive and difficult to find with perfect pitch. Plus, they tend to continue resonating into the following musical notes where they may no longer be in tune. But I am nit-picking here. Perhaps some digital sampling would have been more satisfying? Not counting the "hidden" track at the end of the CD, there are 21 selections totaling a little more than 46 minutes of music. Some of the tracks would have benefited from lengthening and building upon the base music and effects- they left me wanting more. The best tracks on this CD are #6 "The Apparition," #12 "Haunted Nursery," #17 "Something Wicked," and #20 "Midnight." This music begs to be played on a high-quality sound system, preferably one with some kick-butt subwoofers and enough power to handle this CD's wide dynamic range. Otherwise, listen with care on less-capable systems before you crank up the volume.Read full review
Midnight Syndicate has to be my favorite gothic/horror group in this genre. This is the soundtrack of my home haunt every Halloween,while also using "Realm of Shadows", "Gates of Delerium","13th Hour","Symphonies from the Crypt" and, most recently,"The Dead Matter". This music not only sets the mood for my haunt, It is one of the key componants for bringing my haunt to life, or should I say,"afterlife"? This is music that I listen to year round because I appreciate the talent of Douglas and Goska,and it inspires me through the year to come up with new ideas to improve my home haunt. A must have!!!!
This album is perfect for setting an atmosphere of dread, like Halloween. Or maybe you're Goth and need a good cd to play while putting on your clothes. Either way, Midnight Syndicate eases into that role. This particular cd is a favorite, and one of the songs, Gargoyles, is the top song. Why you wonder? The truth of the matter is, MS stole the Grim Grinning Ghost tune from Disney, and churned out a funeral-type dirge song that just chills you to the bone.The other songs contained on this cd are just as creepy, so there's enough fright to go around for every body. Ha ha ha.
You either love the genre, or hate it. And call it what you will- Nightmare Soundtracks, Gothic Soundscapes, or Halloween Haunt Music, all describe Midnight Syndicate's work. It is both richly orchestrated and roughly dynamic, soothing and chilling, a sweet sorrow and a terrible foreboding. It is a living, breathing entity that can be a fond memory of a departed friend, or a demonic serpent coiled to strike. The production quality of this CD was first-rate. The engineering and mixing left nothing to be desired, and the "noise floor" produced by most electronic instruments was kept to a minimum. The sound effects don't sound "cheesy" with the exception of Mr Vargo's few voice contributions, which in my opinion, were unnecessary and not missed in the group's future recordings. (Mr Vargo evidently left Midnight Syndicate after their third CD, and helped form another goth band called Nox Arcana and released a hand-full of CDs of the same genre.) I love this CD it is first rate and sound wonderful on an excellant stereo system with a full range of speakers and eq.Read full review
It is nice to hear the music and easy to listen to also it will make good background music in a movie clip especially if you are making a Halloween clip from you Halloween night.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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