Midnight Syndicate has released a new full-length album, and you’re going to want to add it to this spooky season’s playlist. With Plankett’s Grove, composers Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka took inspiration from folk horror to create a soundscape that brims with eerie effects. The result is a deeply immersive listening experience.
The duo behind Midnight Syndicate has been creating dark symphonic music for almost 30 years. Their gothic and horror melodies are so captivating that they’ve been used in numerous haunted attractions and for tabletop gaming. If you’ve ever attended Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, you’ve likely heard their music playing in some of the haunt mazes. Plankett’s Grove proves they’ve perfected their craft when it comes to sound design.
Plankett’s Grove is not only the name of the album but is also the name of the mysterious woodsy setting:
“Plankett’s Grove is set near the town of Illswich. Rather than making the town abandoned, where the listener’s task would be to uncover the mysteries of what once was, we decided it might be interesting to keep this location very much active and alive, although not without its own share of dark secrets,” said Goszka.
“We asked our fan community, Legions of the Night, where they’d like to see us go next, and that definitely helped make the decision. Folk horror is a treasure trove of creative inspiration with so many directions you can go,” added Douglas. “It made exploring this new section of the Midnight Syndicate world both rewarding and exciting.”
The 18-track album delivers nearly an hour-long musical escape into a ghostly rural setting. When listening to any Midnight Syndicate LP, it’s easy to close your eyes and imagine different scenarios playing out with their tunes as the soundtrack. Each composition of Plankett’s Grove engages your senses. The rich background noises and layered sound effects make you feel as if you’re in Plankett’s Grove.
Tracks like “The Woods Are Watching” create the sounds you’d hear if you were walking through a dark, secluded forest. I heard creaking branches, rustling leaves, bird calls, and I believe, a toad vocalizing. “Hidden Grotto” opens with a beautiful flute-like melody. It’s serene and dreamlike. There’s water trickling and the soothing hum of wildlife. Then, the track takes an ominous turn when a female’s sorrowful sighs and a creature’s grunts emerge. Perhaps the grotto isn’t as peaceful as one might assume.
“Gypsy Encampment” captures the mystery and folk sound of gypsy culture. It transports you to faraway lands where magic abounds. “Seeress” was another favorite track of mine. The mystical melody creates an evocative atmosphere, and the soft whispering enhances the allure. Other tracks, like “Plankett’s Curse” and “Call of the Moon” have thrilling, urgent tones, as if the action is moving toward a climax.
Every track on Plankett’s Grove has a story to tell. Play the album as you’re reading a horror novel, gaming, doing something creative, putting up Halloween décor, or even just daydreaming of other realms. If you’re a professional haunter, test out this album in your haunt.
You can stream Plankett’s Grove on various music platforms, as well as buy physical copies of the album. While you’re at it, check out Midnight Syndicate’s many other LPs and EPs to discover the amazing gothic horror ambient music this duo produces.
Where to Stalk
Midnight Syndicate official website
Vamp Jenn's Corner 