Midnight Syndicate and The Dead Matter
Written by Jennifer Holderness

So folks, I met a really pleasant chap by the name of Edward Douglas recently, Midnight Syndicate’s founder, composer and director. Known the world over it seems for their scary, creepy, often sad but in a word haunting music. Ed Douglas is as unpretentious as can be and he is also an extremely talented composer. He utilizes and incorporates orchestral arrangements with synthesizers and organs. Tinkling piano keys in minor get me every time. Some lean towards Baroque and other music is quietly sad. There’s such a wide range of creepy horror music that you can see why he’s garnered the kinds of clients he has. Haunted Attractions, amusement parks, films and games along with Halloween stores are all using Midnight Syndicate’s music. I am so using The 13th Hour cd for my Halloween party! It’s beautifully creepy sounds of gothic Hammer like music but completely updated, crisp and clean. The band consists of Ed Douglas and Gavin Gozka. They create big sound for only two guys. They are the masterminds of the music behind a pretty cool, indie film called The Rage directed by Robert Kurtzman. The cast includes Andrew Divoff and Erin Brown (Misty Mundae). If you’ve seen this flick I’m pretty certain you’ll recall that the music for it was amazing and totally fitting for this Barkeresque outing. Let me also mention that their music was utilized when they produced the first soundtrack to one of my favorite RPG’s Dungeons & Dragons from Wizards of the Coast.

Allow me to tell you all what Mr. Douglas has been up to lately. First a bit of Douglas history on this, he made a film back in 1996 titled The Dead Matter, a supernatural thriller that he produced and directed. Apparently the budget  was $2000. No wonder he’s always wanted an updating of this flick. Also, it’s no wonder he’s very aware that he actually has a budget now to work with. He has teamed up with Robert Kurtzman who not only directed The Rage but was also the producer behind From Dusk Till Dawn. Kurtzman is also the co-founder of KNB FX. Kurtzman, Midnight Syndicate and Gary (Xena, Boogeyman 3) Jones are all behind the remake of The Dead Matter which Ed Douglas is directing. Aren’t you all getting that warm and fuzzy feeling inside? I know I did when I found out Andrew Divoff of The Rage and Wishmaster was cast in this flick. The rest of the cast is intriguing to say the least, Jason Carter of Babylon 5 and Angel is also appearing along with FX master Tom Savini. They managed to snag Big Chuck Shodowski, Ohio native of Big Chuck and Lil’ John fame and horror host Count Gore DeVol (Dick Gyzsel).

I’m definitely intrigued here.

The plot synopsis for The Dead Matter is about a girl named Gretchen whose desire to contact her dead brother  leads her on a journey through the supernatural world of vampirism and the living dead. Well you get the picture, could be very atmospheric. I’m honestly really looking forward to the release of this independent feature because if nothing else, I know the music will be great! I’m also floored that this remake is over ten years in incubation. That alone makes me believe Ed Douglas cares about a quality final product. It’s nice to hear about a long time dream coming to fruition and Midnight Syndicate along with Ed Douglas are a class act. ‘Nuff said!

http://www.thedeadmatter.com

http://www.midnightsyndicate.com

Purchase Music @ Entity Productions Online Store

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