Anyone who has been reading my reviews over the last several years should know that I really love these guys. They have crafted some of the finest gothic/horror soundtrack music that I have had the pleasure of listening to. And, ever since I first heard their music I have been saying that with talent like this, it won't be long before they start getting noticed. Well, I was right. Not only has their music been used at Universal's "Halloween Horror Nights," but it has been used on "The Today Show, Monday Night Football, Playboy Mansion Parties (Hope the guys got invited!) and the opening music for black metal guru King Diamond." Now, Wizards of the Coast has commissioned the lads (Edward Douglas/Gavin Goszka) to create the official soundtrack to the Dungeons and Dragons Role Playing Game (I wish they had done the soundtrack to the movie, then at least there would be one good thing about it.) Now, just because this says it's for a game, does not mean you have to be a gamer to enjoy it. If you have been listening to their previous works then you won't be disappointed this time around. And, if you thought they created nightmarish horror music soundscapes, then just wait till you hear what they can do with a fantasy background as their inspiration!
As with most of their CD's, Ed & Gavin try to create a basis for a story within the music. However, they encourage the listener to envision whatever idea's and feelings the music create's within their own imagination. The journey is for the listener, the music just sets the stage.
The song titles certainly do read like the chapters of a novel, each one trying to capture the perfect mood for the title of each track. I can hear some familar sounds from some of the bands earlier CD's, but the music has taken on an epic flavor which works beautifully for the albums premise. There are some powerful moments on the album, take for example "Skirmish, Heros' Valor, Deep Trouble, and my favorite Beast of the Borderlands" which sounds so close the opening strains from the Conan soundtrack, that it's scary. These songs conjure up images of armies doing battle, daring rescues, and confrontations with terrifying monsters from the nether regions of fantasy lore. Then there are the quiet moments that create an atmosphere of tension and awe as you visualize ancient magic being summoned, or the ruins of forgotten cities being discovered. A good example of this would be "Craft Of The Wizard, Secret Chamber, and Ancient Temple." I could have easily seen these guys scoring the Lord Of The Rings Soundtrack (no I'm not kidding) ,and they do it all with synthesizers! They managed to make all the arrangements sound very symphonic which really adds to the flavor of this CD.There are even some neat samples of battle sounds ("Final Confrontation" ) and right after the very last track you can hear the sounds of rolling dice which I thought was hilarious.

Once again Ed & Gavin have outdone themselves with another spectacular album. They have shifted perfectly from horror to fantasy with no problems, and created a wonderful soundtrack for the fantasy film of your mind. As I stated earlier, you don't have to be a role playing veteran to enjoy this CD. If you are just a fan of great soundtracks then trust me, you'll love this album! And, with a total of twenty three tracks you definitley get your money's worth! Where can I get this fantastic CD you ask? Well, try the bands website for starters www.midnightsyndicate.com, or several mail order music outlets such as Amazon, CD Baby, Metropolis Records, and Isolation Tank. If you just can't wait for mail order, then try your local Hot Topic and Spencer Gift stores as they stock the bands CD's on a regular basis. Anyway, just go out and buy it ok? Now, would someone please send Peter Jackson a copy!

Chris Harvey - Movement Magazine