I'm back with another Midnight Syndicate album review. Yes, already! They've been busy. This new album is titled Bloodlines and it is an enjoyable listen, especially for those of us who are into that eerie haunted mansion vibe. Bloodlines was introduced as a mini-album, although you are getting nine songs and near a half hour of music here. So it didn't seem all that mini to me.
So as you can guess from the album title, some of the song titles, and the line on the back of the CD pamphlet, "Another chilling chapter in the Haverghast Legacy", this album is part of a family and haunted house story. In fact, it is a prequel. I'll paste a part of the album press release here, to explain further:
Midnight Syndicate has just released a mini-album entitled Bloodlines. Their 14th studio album, Bloodlines is a prequel to the duo’s best-selling, haunted mansion-themed, The 13th Hour. The new release draws listeners deeper into the world of the Haverghast family, a sinister clan whose dark secrets were first introduced on the 2001 asylum-themed album, Gates of Delirium.
“The events that occur in Bloodlines happen before The 13th Hour, although how long before is left up to the listener,” said Edward Douglas. Gavin Goszka added, “The selections on this album expand the story of the Haverghast family. We wanted this album to flow as seamlessly as possible into The 13th Hour, while still maintaining its own distinct stylistic identity.”
As usual, it was easy to visualize each part of the story, and even some of the characters while listening to this. I'll take you through each track as I have in the past and give you my interpretation.
So starting off with track number one...
1. "Bloodlines" We start off with some dramatic piano playing, occasional church bells, and a spectral ghostly choir singing. This is foreboding music, but at the same time I can imagine people dancing. I might be influenced by the dress on the CD cover, but this one makes me think of a ghost bride theme. There are definitely some haunted church vibes going on.
2. "Servitor" Here we have more bells, the feel of marching or stalking the halls. A male voice chants in a way that reminds me of those monk chants, but more sinister. I feel like there's some threatening character stalking the halls of an old house, searching for someone.
3. "Ancestral Decree" This one has a very heavy, menacing stomping vibe, which I think Midnight Syndicate does very well! If the last track was silent stalking and searching, this one is a heavier chase. There's a little whispering in the background and creepy voices where you're not quite sure what you're hearing. I was on edge with this one.
4. "I Won't Tell" Well, this is the creepiest title by far! A music box plays with some chilling effects in the background. I actually think this track is really pretty and delicate sounding. I'm thinking of the CD cover again while listening to this (The part with the dolls). It sounds like a haunted little girl's room or nursery.
5. "Assembly" This is, dare I say, a fun one. The fun lasts for 35 seconds, but still. :) It sounds like a party (one would assume a ghost party because of the album this is on). There's what sounds like some light harpsichord playing, laughing, and talking.
6. "Wedding March" Phantom of the Opera level organ playing starts us off, then there's the most ominous version of Wedding March I've ever heard, and in minor keys. This ties in with the first track for me, because we're back in the church. This is seriously unnerving for me. Do these people want to get married? Yikes. There's a falling/reeling feeling at the end. For me, this track was the most uncomfortable to listen to!
7. "Grand Waltz" I liked this track from the start. It has that Disney's Haunted Mansion vibe! It sounds like its title. If you've been on the Haunted Mansion ride, just imagine that part at the end when the ghosts are dancing. Then you have this. So of course I really liked "Grand Waltz". I was even dancing around to it. This one will be an enjoyable track in the background of this year's Halloween.
8. "A Light in the Attic" And we're back to the creep fest! Starting with the title. This track sounds dangerous. It has a good beat, though. It's like you're having a dangerous night at a Goth Club and then you're being chased through a tunnel. But I guess given the title you're being chased around an attic. The track ends with a clap of thunder and the sounds of rain.
9. "Sands of Time" This one starts with a rush of wind, followed by some haunting, melancholy music. Then there is a little light piano playing. I've probably said this in the past, but Midnight Syndicate does a great job of creating the image of a piano being played by itself. Like, if you hear a piano being played, you go into a room expecting to see someone playing it, and then there's no one there. The ghostly chorus is back and I'm thinking how this album was threaded together nicely. I mean as far as some recurring elements that tie it all together.
I really liked Bloodlines! I know this album will make great background music. And I don't mean just for Halloween! I enjoyed it in a general listening to music way. I am left wondering about the family this album is based around. It sounds like there might be some sinister secrets in "the bloodlines" but it also sounds like they might have had some good dance parties. :)
If you'd like to listen to Bloodlines yourself, here's a Youtube playlist of it:
P.S. ~ As you probably gathered, the images in this post were from the Bloodlines CD booklet. The type behind the booklet pages is from the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
I am excited to be back blogging with something actually fun to talk about! I was given this fun blog material by Midnight Syndicate who have just released their first live album. This album was recorded between 2014 and 2019 at their Midnight SyndicateLive! A Legacy of Shadows concert series performances. These multimedia performances are a chance to experience Midnight Syndicate's music in person, in settings worthy of a Hammer Horror film. I've watched videos of these live performances and they look like they're set in old castle ruins, which are lit in a bright yet ominous way. There are several videos on YouTube showing parts of the show and I'll link to those at the end.
Midnight Syndicate were kind enough to send me one of their albums and I just gave it a listen. I chose to listen to it in a dark area of the basement, since it's a bright summer day out there. That set the mood for listening to the kind of music, sound effects, and voices you'd expect to hear in a haunted house. I think this album would make a great addition to a classic haunted house themed haunt. I'm talking about that kind of classy, old-fashioned haunted house where you might hear some ghostly piano playing as a spectre glides by.
Now, I don't know if there is a distinct plot to the show, but I imagined a general one as I listened to the CD. I can only give my interpretation of what's going on, and that might be different from what was intended. I took a few notes, down there in the dark, as I tried to visualize what might be happening with each track. I'll give a quick run-through of my thoughts on each.
So we start off with "The Stage is Set" which does set the stage with some whooshing wind and doom-filled heavy bells. It's like a storm approaching.
Then we move onto "Alchemist's Chamber" which was a favorite of mine. I like organ music (I think this was electric organ?) Then it moves into what sounds like a harpsichord, in a style The Phantom of the Opera might play. Then we get some ghostly voices. I felt like I was walking down a haunted hallway as I listened to this.
"Sigil" is next and I think I had kind of a head's up on what this one was about from watching their videos. There's also some imagery in the pamphlet of what I would call a spooky Voodoo lady, carrying a staff. A glowing sigil or sign was prominent in one of the videos too. This track was more electronic.
The next track is titled "Twilight" and nope, this does not appear to have anything to do with that other Twilight. This track is probably more about spirits emerging at the fall of night. The song starts with a ghostly lady's voice going "woooooo" and then there's a feeling of slowly walking. I could imagine the ghost lady gliding along to this, which again fits with the imagery in the videos/CD pamphlet. By the way, the photos I'm sharing here are from that pamphlet.
"Creatures of Darkness" starts with that child-like lalalalala. If you're into being scared by what sounds like a ghost kid singing, giggling, and talking, there are some tracks here for you! This one starts innocently enough, then moves into some heavy plodding and a surprise violin solo. Actually, the beginning of this one made me think of Poltergeist for some reason.
"Noctem Aeternus" This is a creepy one to listen to, especially when you're sitting in a dimly lit space like I was. I think the lady on this track was speaking in Latin. It sounded like she was reciting some sort of spell. I might have been influenced by the visuals in their videos again in thinking that.
"Haunted Nursery" is another one for you guys who like the spooky little ghost kid stuff. The first part of this made me think of chimes ringing in the night or a music box.
"Gatekeeper" There was a nice beat on this one, along with thunder crashing and crows cawing.
"Into the Valley of Shadows" was very dramatic and dark. I visualized a marching group of skeletons while listening to this. More of that cool organ playing was incorporated into this one. Something I appreciated about this collection of songs is that some of the same sounds and instruments were incorporated into many of them, but in unexpected ways. So there was a connective line between the tracks.
"Kiddieland" caught me off guard because there are not a lot of spoken words on this album. So I was sitting there in the dark, concentrating and writing my notes on this album and then I start hearing a man yelling "Adelaide!" That got my attention. I was googling the spelling of Adelaide just now and ran into another Midnight Syndicate song that's titled "Adelaide" (From their album Gates of Delirium). So there's probably a connection there.
"NightStalker" sounds like its title! I really liked this one. It has a bit of everything: dark booming noises, the feeling of running in the night, electronic sounds, more organ, an operatic ghost lady.
"Grisly Reminder" There was some nice piano on this one, and what sounded to me like the sounds of a sharp object whooshing through the air. This made me think of a reaper, especially with all that hissing and breathing at the end. The piano would have been pretty relaxing on this one without those other parts I mentioned.
"Twisted Labyrinth" This was an unnerving track. You get the feeling listening to this that you're being chased, I suppose through a twisted labyrinth. There were a few other bells and sound effects I couldn't quite place.
"Haverghast Asylum" I'm wondering if this one fits with that Adelaide character I mentioned earlier. She sounded like someone in an asylum in that track off the other album. Anyway, this one starts with some great old-timey piano and a woman singing. Could it be an old-timey piano in an asylum?
"Conspiracy of Shadows" And we end with a worried man, a whispered "Thank You", some electronic noises, and some good shrieking from the live audience.
This album alternates between delicate eeriness and heavy menacing sounds and I felt inspired to see the live show while listening to it. If I find myself near HalloWeekends in Ohio some autumn I'd want to check it out.
I typed up this blog post just assuming that you are all familiar with Midnight Syndicate. You probably are even if you don't know it. If you have stepped foot in a Halloween store or haunted attraction, you've no doubt heard them. They are pretty much part of the modern Halloween soundtrack. If you'd like to learn more or revisit some of your favorite songs, you can check out Midnight Syndicate on YouTube.
The Live Shadows full album can be listened to here: Live Shadows
Midnight Syndicate has a new Christmas album out this year! I was very excited to hear this news and even more thrilled to receive a copy of it to review. I wondered which direction Midnight Syndicate might go with a Christmas album. I knew I would like it, but 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, because you wouldn't want to hear too scary of a version of the beloved carols. That doesn't happen at all here. This album struck the perfect balance for me!
You know the way the ghosts are presented in A Christmas Carol? In that way where Christmas is seen as a magical time when the ghosts and memories of Christmas past can come alive. The ghosts in A Christmas Carol are at times beautiful, at times jolly, and times truly haunting. Well, that's the way Christmas is handled on Midnight Syndicate's Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering. The music is beautiful and strikes an eerie chord while remaining respectful to the Christmas classics.
I am a big fan of Christmas themed albums. I might have more Christmas CDs than Halloween CDs and I'm at the point where I thought I had nearly every style of Christmas music out there - Cajun, Country, Jazz, everything. Trust me! But I didn't have anything like this in my collection.
When I chatted with Edward Douglas from Midnight Syndicate about this album, he said they weren't working with an overall story line on this one. Still, I heard a story through this album. So this will be my interpretation of the songs and how they piece together into a story in my mind. What I heard on this album were the spirits of holiday past, always present and haunting a beautiful Victorian house. The CD cover art and album title definitely started me thinking in that direction. Check out that fireplace!
Also on the back cover was this description:
As fierce winter winds cut across the frozen landscape, a welcoming golden glow beckons from the windows of a venerable country mansion. Decorated in the festive trappings of Yule, its stately walls seem to offer a much-needed respite for the weary traveler. But the holiday spirits are restless and eager for company this night, as the haunting strains of melodies old and new call forth from the shadows.
Once I started picturing the house in that illustration and what might be happening in it during the Christmas season, all of the songs fit together with that setting. For this telling, the great Pabst Mansion will be playing the role of the stately home:
And these will be the spirits of Christmas past that you will encounter:
I just saw this and thought how the scene fit perfectly with what I pictured as far as who would be haunting this house at Christmas. Thanks to Dex for letting me know that this painting is titled "The Ball" and that the artist is Julius L. Stewart.
Each song stands strongly on its own, but I enjoyed fitting them together into one long Christmas Eve story format. So here are my descriptions of the tracks along with my personal photos to illustrate the story.
The night starts off in track 1 with magical, wintery sounds, followed by horsewhip noises and some bits of classic Christmas carols in minor off key spooky tones. The horses are hurriedly transporting you to your destination. The carriage whips through the snow and trees on its way to the old Victorian house.
Meanwhile, in track 2, the ghosts are floating through the hallways, waiting for the guests to arrive. A large grandfather clock chimes in the grand hall. This is a variation of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy".
"Carol of the Bells" is my favorite Christmas song, and that's number 3. I'm not sure why this has always been my favorite carol, but it probably has something to do with the mysterious and magical tone of the song. I love whatever version I hear of it. In this case, there's a slow build up to the familiar music with what sounds to me like monks chanting. Then there is some soft string music and light little bells.
I was really looking forward to hearing the fourth track: "Night of the Krampus". How could I not? Has there ever been a Krampus song before this? Maybe something in German. We all have an idea of what Krampus looks like and this music fit perfectly with my vision of him. The song conjures up images of Krampus sneaking into town and then cracking his whip/switch at those who have been naughty. So fitting with the story line, your horse-drawn carriage is now passing quickly through a little European town - very quickly! Your driver is careful to avoid that scary furry guy with the whip. As you make it quickly out of town, you hear manic giggling and the sound of bells behind you... I really liked the Old World feel to this one.
Next you pass by a pretty little church where you hear organ music and then a harpsichord. Track 5 is "Angels We Have Heard on High" and I can picture the old house coming to life as it plays. The lights are slowly flickering on as the ghostly music begins. The fireplace lights up and the memories of the past become the present.
"Greensleeves" is Track 6. Beautiful guitar playing is followed by the heavy old doors of the gate opening. Your carriage approaches the old mansion and makes its way to the entrance. This is one of the more traditional songs on the album, but there are still some eerie little undertones. They're subtle.
You make your way inside the old house and Clump, clump, clump. What's that noise above your head? "Up on the Housetop" is next. I thought this was a pretty clever use of the title and song. What is up on the roof in this case? It doesn't sound like Santa, that's for sure. Did Krampus get a ladder? Whatever it is, it has heavy footsteps and isn't feeling too jolly. I think I heard a deep "HOHOHO" in the mix. Maybe Santa's had a rough night?
There are some pretty church-like bells in Track 8 "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen". There's a slight churning darkness under the surface, but for the most part the song is angelic. After hearing Santa or Krampus or whoever stomping around on the roof, it's nice to hear the angelic singing outside the house. I like the way there's a variation of light and dark through this album.
"Coventry Carol" is number 9. There are slightly ominous bells and then some fairy-like music box type music in this one. I can imagine the little toys coming to life in the house as I listen to this song.
I love Track number 10 "Little Helpers"! This one reminds me a bit of some of the songs on Carnival Arcane. That sort of slide whistle mischievous music. Santa's helpers are more like little gremlins taking time away from the carnival here. Or pointy-eared little elves who are sort of a mix of naughty and nice. I picture some green little critters running around. This is one of my favorites on the album.
"Sing We Now of Christmas" is almost a waltz. I think people could waltz slowly to this beat. There's an interesting percussion on this one that I can't quite figure out. It's a pretty song and back to the haunted mansion, I can imagine the ghosts appearing and slowly dancing around the great hall to this music.
The next song "Winter Storm" makes me think of what will probably be one of the best times to listen to this album - during a winter storm. There's always that spooky side to the winter season, especially with the snow storms we have here. I know there will be some time when I'm snowed in and in the mood to listen to this. There's a heck of a storm in this song! It's like listening to an avalanche, from which emerges the abominable snowman, charging at the old house. The wind is hitting the house from all sides, the windows are clattering, the snow is spinning in the strong air, and the beast is out there.
A sort of peace falls over the house in track 13 "Into the Stillness". You'll recognize the first part "Still, still, still..." from the classic carol. Then you'll hear the voices of a beautiful choir. I liked how the album is pieced together with that innocent sounding singing tucked into some of the songs. It keeps the music just light enough. The way I see it, you and the rest of the visitors decide to leave the old mansion after the storm clears, and head out "Into the Stillness" of the dark winter's night.
Everyone rides along in the horse-drawn carriage into the old streets of the village. There's merriment as people celebrate and also that threatening Krampus lurking around every dark corner. "Little Toy Soldiers" plays as people shop in the market, but every now and then you hear the heavy footsteps... Better stay in the carriage!
There's a definite regal feeling to track 15 "Everywhere, Everywhere, Christmas Tonight". This gives a warm, bold ending to the album. This is the kind of music to toast a mug of warm cider to. Think of this song as the Ghost of Christmas Present. It's warm and celebratory with just a hint of ghostliness. I imagine the ghosts sitting around a warm fireplace in the old house and wishing one another a Merry Christmas.
There is a bonus track after this one called "Christmas at Midnight". It is a sweet and quiet song. The bells in the mansion chime 12:00 and the ghosts wave goodbye, wishing you a Merry Christmas! An angelic choir finishes the song.
I think Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering would make an awesome Christmas present, especially for Midnight Syndicate fans. It would also be good for people who like that more magical side of Christmas or for those who feel (like I did) that they have every type of holiday music already. They don't have anything like this!
And now for a special treat - an interview with Edward Douglas about the new Christmas album! It was fun for me to read his answers to my questions. How many times do you get the chance to discuss what you were wondering about a piece of music with the person who created it?
My interview with Edward Douglas
When is the perfect time to listen to this album?
During all of December, leading up to Christmas or maybe during those
cold, windy winter nights? Sometimes I wonder what the perfect time is
for spooky Christmas entertainment. Like with A Nightmare Before Christmas, it's hard for me to decide if I should watch it for Halloween or Christmas. I've
personally been enjoying your album through November, but I'm wondering
what time you had in mind when you composed these songs.
>>
This album has a very winter feel to it for me. One thing we found
was that as we took these classic holiday carols and started putting our
own spin on them, they became more like Midnight
Syndicate tracks and less associated with any particular time of year.
I found myself listening to it in October and even September (which is
something I never do with holiday music). If we created a
holiday-themed album that can transcend the season for some of our
listeners, I think that would make us both very happy.
Looking
at the back cover of your CD, you guys are standing in front of a sort of stone
archway. I see a bit of what I think is a European city between you and
behind the arch. Do you know where those buildings are located?
>>
That's actually a picture of Gavin and I taken by photographer Steven
Franczek in front of Squire's Castle in Cleveland, Ohio. There's a
lot of wonderful architecture in Cleveland. As for the buildings
through the archway, those came courtesy of Topher Adam of Dark Beauty
Magazine who's done additional photo design work for us on our past two
albums.
I assumed that
the setting for this album was in Europe, maybe because of those
buildings and the Old World flavor of the Krampus song. I mean, the
setting we might imagine while listening to this. Did you have a sort of
European Christmas theme in mind?
>>
We saw this album existing in the same world as all of our other
albums. Although it's not specific to any particular place in the real
world, there's definitely a European flavor to this album. I think
that's because most of the songs we chose are centuries-old European
carols or classical compositions written by European composers.
It's pretty heavily implied that part of
this album involves the ghosts who haunt an old mansion around
Christmastime. Who do you think the ghosts are or who had once lived in
the old house?
>> As always, we want to leave that up to the listener... ;)
What kind of bells were you using on this album? Like when
we hear what would maybe be a horse carriage, reindeer, or Krampus
jingling. And the whip noises for that matter. Are you actually back
behind the mic with bells and a whip?
>>
Sometimes yes. We got to use a lot of bells, woodwinds, and crazy
percussion on this disc. It was great. Lots of sleigh bells (which I
think is what you are referencing).
In "Sing We
Now of Christmas" I heard some interesting percussion in the background.
What instrument am I hearing? Maybe it's even a cowbell? That little
popping sound.
>>
Christopher Walken would not be pleased as there is definitely no
cowbell in that song. It's actually a type of traditional European hand
drum.
What kind of elves
did you picture in "Little Helpers"? I'm assuming you were thinking of
elves... Because I was visualizing some creepy little critters running
around.
>>
All sorts. When I told my kids we were doing a Christmas album, one
of my daughters said that we had to do an "evil elves" song, so that's
how that one started. I don't know if they're necessarily "evil,"
but mischievous? Most definitely.
In
"Up On the Housetop" Is Santa the one who is on the roof? Traditionally
I would think so, and I think I heard a HOHOHO, but that song is pretty
ominous!
>>
That was a fun track to do. We didn't want to make an entire album
where we were just taking happy light songs and turning them all dark
and ominous but there were a few songs we wanted to do that to and this
is one that Gavin heard in his head from the very beginning.
What is your favorite classic Christmas carol?
>> Sleigh Ride is both of our favorites but I also love O Holy Night.
So now that you've read quite a bit about Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering, you'll want to hear some of the songs and watch the slideshows of antique imagery that accompany them. The first eight videos on this playlist are from the Christmas album.
