Underground DJ

While owners of Haunted Attractions are always interested in having the latest in scary effects to frighten their customers, too often the proper use of back ground music and sound effects to create a really scary experience is overlooked. Whether the owners are just too busy, or they have not discovered that music can greatly increase the frightening atmosphere of the attraction, we are here to help. This is the first in a series of columns to help you wade through the morass of spooky soundtracks on the market to help you pick the music that is best for your attraction. For this inaugural column, two new releases were reviewed.

The first selection, Realm of Shadows is the third of a series of haunted sound tracks from a duo known as the Midnight Syndicate. This is truly a spooky sound track with synthesizer and heavy orchestral-style music that washes over you with a feeling of foreboding and menace that is sure to halt your heartbeat. It is rare to come across a CD, that could be played back-to-back in its entirety, but this is one. I must say that this CD gave me the willies, and if given the right attention, and the right situation it could make an outstanding soundtrack for your Haunted Attraction. You can contact Midnight Syndicate at 2260 Par Lane PH22, Willouby Hills, OH 44094, or by phone at 440-944-8765 or via Email at edoug0001@aol.com. Check out their web site at www.entityprod.com

The next CD that I checked out for this column is Pumpkinland Halloween Haunt CD by Nobody Records. This CD is all synthesizer sound effects and ambient sound textures designed to make your heart quiver like Jell-O. No punk, no hard rock, and no narration, this CD contains only ambient sound sculptures that can be used as the operator sees fit. The CD is wonderfully terrifying with 5 long tracks. The theme of each piece is kept the same throughout the entire track, and there is no unwanted sound effects that could interfere with other sounds you have in your attraction. Each track plays with an almost seamless transition on the "repeat function" of your CD player and the recording quality and recording level is excellent. Contact Mark Harvey at via email at pumpkinlandstudios@yahoo.com or visit the web site at www.13thtrack.com and listen to a track or two. This 'soundscape' would be perfect for Halloween events and Home Haunts alike. Nobody Records, 2238 South Shore Center, Private Mail Box 141, Alameda, CA 94501-5723 Voice Mail and Fax: (510) 343-2139 ext. 1516.

In this first column we have presented two very different options in your choice for the perfect music to fit your attraction. Owners dedicated to giving their customers the best fright value for their money should check out both of these releases. Look forward to other reviews in future issues of Haunted Attraction Magazine.

Do you have soundtrack or special effects music that you would like reviewed in a future issue? Send it to the Underground DJ, c/o Haunted Attraction Magazine, P. O. Box 220286, Charlotte, NC, 28222-0286.