Midnight Syndicate - Monsters of Legend

Earlier this year Midnight Syndicate released a new album, Monsters of Legend, that we highly recommend adding to your music collection for Halloween! If you are not already familiar with Midnight Syndicate, they are what Trans-Siberean Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller is to Christmas.

The band consists of composers Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka and they are known for creating symphonic soundtracks to imaginary films that facilitate a transcendental and adventurous escape into the secret dimensions of the mind's eye. To many of their fans, they are Gothic music pioneers brewing a signature blend of orchestral horror music and movie-style sound effects. To others, they remain the first "haunted house band" that forever changed the Halloween music genre and became a staple of the October holiday season. Their critically-acclaimed works are reminiscent of sweeping, complex masterpieces by artists such as James Horner and Danny Elfman, and have been featured as a part of groundbreaking films, television shows, video games and at haunted attractions, amusement parks and live performances worldwide.


TRACKLISTING:

1. Return to Arcacia
2. Into the Valley of Shadows
3. A Watchful Gathering
4. Inn of the Weeping Sparrow
5. Unwanted Visitor
6. Requiem
7. Witching Hour
8. Unexpected Cargo
9. Black Woods
10. Twilight
11. Carriage Ride
12. Stone Guardians
13. Ancient Portal
14. Dark Tower
15. Building the Monster
16. Lord of the Realm
17. Forgotten Alcoves
18. A Terror Unleashed
19. Cloistered Cemetery
20. It Lives!
21. Beyond the Veil of Time

ALBUM DESCRIPTION
Universal Horror, Hammer Films, and horror classics from the silent era are the inspiration for this new release. Midnight Syndicate's signature blend of instrumental horror music and sounds make you feel like you are in one of those classic films - in a world where any one of the Monsters of Legend could be right around the corner....

Check out these other great titles by Midnight Syndicate:

Planning The Perfect Halloween Party!

Since October has made its appearance, most Fall activities are up and running (apple picking, haunted houses etc). Of course that means the excitement of Halloween is just starting to build as well. One of the best parts of Halloween is throwing a Halloween party! Here are some great tips to make your party a spooky hit.....

• Add some Orange, purple or green light to the room to give it a festive and spooky feel as guests arrive. Halloween lights now come in so many shapes and color combination, so you can really get creative in this department!

• Purchase a few great albums with sounds from the Haunted House or spooky music. If you really want to customize it, make your own mix! Just be sure to include plenty of ghosts, ghouls, witches and chains rattling around to give your party guests a chill! Most importantly, know your audience by choosing an age appropriate soundtrack for your party.

• Classic games like Bobbing for Apples, Scavenger Hunts or even Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin and a Jack-O-Lantern Beanbag Toss are always crowd pleasers. For more mature crowds, consider doing an elaborate Murder Mystery Game

• Spooky stories in the dark can be a fun and frightening way to make the night memorable (but could also lead to bad dreams!!!). Make up your own on the spot, turn it into a game where everyone gathers in a circle and takes turn building on the story, or find some good short stories to read or act out in dramatic style.

Here are a few books to consider:

• Have a fun assortment of Halloween themed food and drinks on the table. Perhaps some Mummy Dogs and Witches Brew to drink...these are simple snacks and drinks that can make for a festive Halloween spread.

• Hold a pumpkin carving contest and include a prize for the one voted 'Best Looking Pumpkin' at the party. Something simple like a gift card for Starbucks, iTunes, Best Buy or a popular restaurant is sure to motivate creativity. Be sure to provide plenty of carving tools and templates or inform your guests if they are required to bring their own.

Remember, the spookier the better, people love a good scare on Halloween so don't skimp on the decorations! Atmosphere is everything, so you'll want to have skeletons hanging on the door, jack o lanterns on the porch and ghosts all over the house. Have a great party!!!!

For more tips to make your Halloween party memorable check out our Pinterest page!