Twenty-one years ago Midnight Syndicate broke onto the scene of atmospheric music which struck a chord with horror and Halloween enthusiasts and gothic fans too, and since then over 10 albums released, composing music in two films The Rage and The Dead Matter. The core duo of the band, Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka, continue to offer haunting sounds seeking out stories in their audience’s minds, as well as filling many haunted house locations. Therefore, The Horror Times, does and will continue to review all aspects of Horror, and hence a retro review of their 2001 album entitled Gates of Delirium, creating a storytelling method with sound effects and music all important the listener’s imagination.
The back of their CD informs the listener of a warning “A lone scream pierces the night…Dark shadows envelope unwilling guests of a wretched stronghold that harbors an unspeakable terror…. Welcome to Haverghast Asylum” this and the artwork of the cover adds to mystic of the horror awaiting them. Horror theme entertainment does take many forms, but in music often as a single track or a trilogy, a few artists set forth for entire record, most notably King Diamond’s Abigail (1987); but Midnight Syndicate and Nox Arcana lead the charge with their ghoulish design.
Tracks:
1 – Arrival – 1:45
2 – Welcome – 2:31
3 – Haverghast Asylum – 3:34
4 – Halls of Insurrection – 2:42
5 – Cage of Solitude – 2:36
6 – Residents Past – 4:08
7 – Adelaide – 1:11
8 – Phantom Sentinels – 2:34
9 – Gates of Delirium – 3:37
10 – Non Compos Mentis – 0:56
11 – Procession of the Damned – 3:14
12 – Infestation – 1:00
13 – Room 47 – 2:55
14 – Dark Discovery – 3:53
15 – Morbid Fascination – 2:45
16 – Dead of Night – 1:31
17 – Alternative Therapy – 3:06
18 – Crimson Door – 1:09
19 – Unrest in the East Wing – 2:48
20 – Ebony Shroud – 4:13
21 – Sleep Tight – 4:35
Even though the production now 16-years older, the macabre elements still work and could create the chills to some, while encouraging others to create their own works of art while the melodies carry-on, one could imagine their work on a 180-gram vinyl. The album artwork and music makes this a must-have for gothic fans and composers, interested in exploring dark soothing music. Lastly, all of their albums are definitely worth the time and effort to collect, especially “Monsters of Legend” an ode to the Universal Studios monsters.
Rating: 5/5
Band Links: