The horror genre as it exists in music is often a strange creature. On one end of the spectrum you have composers such as Midnight Syndicate and Nox Arcana which specialize in creating ambient gothic music. This type of music is mostly used at Halloween parties, haunted houses, and as background music in movies. Then going in another direction you have musicians and bands like Rob Zombie, Aiden, and Zombie Sam. These types of bands specialize in a mixture of gothic themes, morbid lyrics, and metal inspirations.
As I have mentioned previously in other articles, my favorite table top role-playing game is World of Darkness. It is a game of modern gothic storytelling. So often I have had great difficulty finding good music that I feel matches the mood and atmosphere which that game sets.
Well, I was very pleasantly surprised when I was presented with "A Hallow Tale" by artist Zombie Sam. Almost immediatley I realized I had found the close to perfect blend of classical horror with modern gothic metal.
As I have mentioned previously in other articles, my favorite table top role-playing game is World of Darkness. It is a game of modern gothic storytelling. So often I have had great difficulty finding good music that I feel matches the mood and atmosphere which that game sets.
Well, I was very pleasantly surprised when I was presented with "A Hallow Tale" by artist Zombie Sam. Almost immediatley I realized I had found the close to perfect blend of classical horror with modern gothic metal.
The music video for "A Hallow Tale" acts as a mixture of gothic imagery, music, and story in order to convey an atmosphere that truly suits the modern gothic.
The video tales the story of a man named Jack who took a lantern into the woods and tried to trick the devil. However, Jack is makes a big mistake and he is cursed for his folly. Jack's soul becomes something of a pumpkin headed ghost who wanders the woods with his lantern for eternity.
It isn't a deep or rich story, but it has a truly chilling gothic feeling to it. And the music--along with the imagery--work to evoke a true atmosphere of the macabre into the music.
The music has a good rhythm to it which--in my opinion--is the most important element of any rock style music. If I can't tap my foot to it, or bob my head, than the music got it wrong. "A Hallow Tale" is the type of song I find myself humming for after the song ends. Additionally, the music incorporates very classical sounds and music elements which give it a dark and authentic feeling.
I generally enjoyed the video and imagery as well. However, there were a few moments which seemed a bit cheesier than others. For instance, I wasn't a huge fan of the devil's makeup. It was technically well done and well designed but simply didn't suit my fancy. Additionally, the pumpkin mask Jack wears in the end of the video looked a little too plasticy and store bought.
The video tales the story of a man named Jack who took a lantern into the woods and tried to trick the devil. However, Jack is makes a big mistake and he is cursed for his folly. Jack's soul becomes something of a pumpkin headed ghost who wanders the woods with his lantern for eternity.
It isn't a deep or rich story, but it has a truly chilling gothic feeling to it. And the music--along with the imagery--work to evoke a true atmosphere of the macabre into the music.
The music has a good rhythm to it which--in my opinion--is the most important element of any rock style music. If I can't tap my foot to it, or bob my head, than the music got it wrong. "A Hallow Tale" is the type of song I find myself humming for after the song ends. Additionally, the music incorporates very classical sounds and music elements which give it a dark and authentic feeling.
I generally enjoyed the video and imagery as well. However, there were a few moments which seemed a bit cheesier than others. For instance, I wasn't a huge fan of the devil's makeup. It was technically well done and well designed but simply didn't suit my fancy. Additionally, the pumpkin mask Jack wears in the end of the video looked a little too plasticy and store bought.
Summing it Up
This type of music isn't for everyone. If you don't like gothic rock or metal than the likelihood of you enjoying this piece is minimal to none. However, if you do enjoy these genres or if you are looking for some music for inspiration in writing or table-top gaming than this may be just the right choice.
Additionally, if you like this music, keep an eye on Zombie Sam's Facebook and Twitter page for an upcoming holiday single: Carol of the Bells done horror style.
Deaths: 1
Language: 3
Gore Factor: 2
Sex Factor: 0
Scare Factor: 3
Fun Factor: 4
Overall Rating: 4
Additionally, if you like this music, keep an eye on Zombie Sam's Facebook and Twitter page for an upcoming holiday single: Carol of the Bells done horror style.
Deaths: 1
Language: 3
Gore Factor: 2
Sex Factor: 0
Scare Factor: 3
Fun Factor: 4
Overall Rating: 4