If you are familiar with our RPG Articles, you will have come across a write-up about adding music to your role-playing sessions to spice things up. It's something that hasn't really been explored much, from what I've seen and heard in gaming circles and conventions. That's a shame...

Midnight Syndicate is here to change all that, but they plan on doing it even better - by creating music FOR gaming! (Ok, it may not just be for gaming, but it's the perfect soundtrack for a gaming session!)

One problem I find with searching through your favorite CD's for background music in a role-playing session is that there are random tempo changes, and lyrics that can get in the way amongst other things. With Midnight Syndicate, you have music written to keep the mood constant, and that can make a huge difference. 

In looking to write this review, I was a bit lost. I haven't written any music reviews in my lifetime, though I have read plenty and am a huge music buff (as well as a musician...) so I do have some knowledge on the subject. However, usually music reviews pertain to each song and the musicians as well as the lyrics. Let's see what I can do here....

As far as the musicianship goes, Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka do a fine job of not only creating the sounds that you hear, they do a great job with the arrangements of each song, as well as the mixing and engineering duties. They don't overdo it with the "look at what I can do" type of frills that could kill a CD such as this.

Through listening to the tracks, I was thinking of all types of encounters to run characters through while playing the CD. For me, it would be easy to do, as I have a personal CD player and speakers that I can plug in to an available outlet. Battery-powered ones may work better, depending on the location of the gaming table and the nearest outlets. 

An even better option would to buy the CD and convert the songs needed to MP3, then use your MP3 player instead of the personal CD player or "boom-box." Again, you'll need speakers to get the sounds over to the players so consider your options and the power source needed - batteries aren't free these days you know! I suppose that if you have the room, you could just opt for the boom-box and save the batteries. Just remember to bring an extension cord should the need arise. 

The CD comes loaded with 14 tracks that can help you obtain various mood reactions from your playing party. The tracks on the Vampyre CD are in a very goth-type vein, but you can easily use them in non-goth settings as well. I can easily picture them in a fantasy role-playing session, or even a space epic. Hmmm.... Maybe even just while board-gaming!
 

Vampyre is the 5th CD from Midnight Syndicate, and it's not planned to be their last by any means. It would seem as more Game Masters (and Midnight Syndicate fans) catch on to these guys, the more they want. Well, coming soon (as of the writing of this review) will be a CD based on the world of Dungeons & Dragons! That would be very nice to have, especially if you find yourself using the CD's over and over and need new material. 

 Just don't listen to the CD as you are walking through dark forests on your way home - you're sure to mess your shorts...

 
In reviewing the CD for this review, I listened to the tracks one last time to see if each song was up to snuff, so to speak. I couldn't find a poor one in the bunch! It was interesting to hear some of the tracks and think of other bands that have gothic-sounding materials in them, such as Mercyful Fate. If you are not familiar with Mercyful Fate or are not a fan, don't fret - these guys don't sound anything like them. There are just some mood-setting elements that reminded me of the masters of metal, and that's a good thing! 

If I was to find any fault in this CD is that there aren't enough "fight" songs to choose from that would work well to help pick up the pace of a dramatic fight. Don't get me wrong - the materials are great and all, but I would have liked to have had some more choices on songs that could get the blood pumping for combat, if you know what I mean.

Ok, so role-playing aside, could this be something that non role-players could get into? I would have to say yes. Goth music fans should find the material to their liking, as well as some classical fans out there. The music is very moody and well thought out, and can serve a variety of purposes! What's not to like.

As a music buff, I don't see myself using the CD much outside of gaming, unless I want some cool background music. I, however, am not a "goth-type" person who would like to have a personal soundtrack as they make their way around town in their automobile. I'll throw in some Slipknot or Mudvayne for that. (Or Slayer, or Black Sabbath, or Zeppelin, or....)

At any rate, if you are a role-player and want to add music to your soundless gaming sessions, this baby is right up your alley. If you are into goth music or even classical music, check out the Midnight Syndicate. Even if the Vampyre CD doesn't do it for you they do have 4 others to check out.

Now, I have to think about a rating. 5 is a must buy, 4 is a gotta have it, 3 is it's kinda cool, and anything under a 2.5 is something to avoid all together. Keeping this in mind, I would have to say that the Vampyre: Symphonies From The Crypt would be a 4.75. Some more upbeat, pulse-pounding materials would have pushed it over the top, but don't let that distract you from an otherwise fabulous product.

Head over to their website for samples if you don't just rush out to purchase the CD outright. Consider your soundtrackless gaming sessions to be at an end when you check out the CD. Do your research and make a plan, and you'll have a much more entertaining gaming experience as a result. Just don't listen to the CD as you are walking through dark forests on your way home - you're sure to mess your shorts...