Synthwave of Horror Part 2: GosT

Welcome to part 2 of our Synthwave of Horror series, where we interview artists who dabble in the diabolical side of dance music, and creators of the most horrific of electronic horror movie scores. If you missed part one with Disasterpeace, the man behind the incredible score for It Follows, you can have a read here.

“I’ve always thought of GosT, the character, as a sort of a slasher-like Michael Myers.”

Meet GosT, an electronic apparition whose tracks touch the outer realms of hell itself. Between his metal vibes, horrific synths and undeniable love for ‘80s horror, this artist knows horror music and the demons behind them better than anyone. He took the time before Halloween to discuss his roots and the darkness behind his favorite scary classics, and he even put together a devilish playlist for you to dive into before the ghosts and ghouls come out to play at the end of the month.

I hear that GosT has quite the origin story. Can you tell me about your musical alter ego?
GosT is the physical vessel for the immortal known as Baalberith, the bringer of death and purveyor of truth. My mission is to spread the dark gospel of the master light bringer through this human form of music and perversion. The skull mask that I wear in my shows is a buffer between the physical realm of mortals and the fires of forever.

Before GosT, were you involved in any other bands or acts?
From a young age, actually, I was mostly involved in metal bands; but they were mostly smaller acts.

Your style definitely has a metal aesthetic.
Metal has always been my favorite genre, so I suppose it just naturally found its way into this project. My shows actually seem to feel much more like a metal show. There is usually moshing and horns in the air. I just assumed when I started GosT, I would be playing to more of an EDM crowd; but as it turns out, it’s still a lot of metal heads. Just can’t escape the metal, I guess.

I think that look bled really well into your work. Are there specific images you associate with your music? I definitely think of dark and evil vibes when I listen.
Actually, yeah. My most recent LP, Behemoth, is loosely based on Lucifer’s struggle to deal with a god who has basically abandoned knowledge. Essentially, it’s about the devil coming to terms with his master’s failings and his insignificant quarreling with lesser beings. So as far as images, I had musings of the rising and falling of beings in power and how power always ends in corruption and selfishness. I’ve also always thought of GosT, the character, as a sort of a slasher-like Michael Myers.

Is that sort of what you want your listeners to see and feel when they listen to your tracks?
That’s up to the listener. Ultimately, I want people to have a positive but devilish experience while listening to GosT.

“I think most humans have a dark place within them, and horror movies are a safe and fun way of exploring that.”

What do you think excites people about being scared to death?
For me, it’s a complete detachment of reality. When I am watching horror movies, I am able to totally immerse myself within them, and I think that’s how a lot of other people see it. Plus, I think most humans have a dark place within them, and horror movies are a safe and fun way of exploring that dark place.

What do you think makes a perfect horror track?
It’s simple: hard beats played on the black keys!

Your music definitely has a relationship with the ‘80s; can you tell me how music and movies from that time affected you?
I grew up in the ‘80s, so my childhood was bound to find its way into my music. The music and movies made during the ‘80s all had a childlike charm to them; everything had a big coming-of-age feeling to it. Artists of the ‘80s just did what they wanted to do, and I think that’s why the period will always stick with me. Things from back then just feel a bit more real to me.

If you could do the soundtrack for any horror movie from then, is there one you would pick?
I would love to take a crack at The Shining!

What are some of your favorite horror movies, in general? Anything our readers should check out?
There are so many, but Halloween, Friday the 13th, Deep Red, The Satanic Rites of Dracula, Satan’s School for Girls, The Thing, The Gate…

This series we are doing actually includes an interview with John Carpenter, who made some of your favorite films. Did he have an influence on your music?
I think it’s undeniable that Carpenter is not only an influence, but also the driving force. Without his scores, the horror arpeggio simply would have never gone the way it has.

“Carpenter is not only an influence, but also the driving force. Without his scores, the horror arpeggio simply would have never gone the way it has.”

What was it about his scores that affected you?
There is just something about a synth-driven score that is so effective. I do enjoy some orchestral scores, but for me, they will never quite capture the horror vibe as well as a good synth score. Carpenter’s delivery is so foreboding and straightforward that his scores just immediately pull you in and refuse to let go!

Anything you would like to say to John carpenter?
At the very least, I’d like to thank him for the Halloween theme! It changed my life.

Why do you think electronic music and horror are so tied to each other?
I’m not really sure, but I think it’s just a preference. The score from Insidious is undeniably one of the best horror scores of all time, but personally, I just prefer an electronic score.

I know you are living in Finland now. What’s the scene like there?
I’m actually from the US, so the only thing I know about the community in Finland is what I’ve experienced since being here. I played a show with Perturbator, Dan Terminus, and Flash Arnold a few months back, and the people are really honest and accommodating. I felt right at home while I was there! It was one of my craziest shows yet.

Speaking of those other artists, who are some of your favorite acts from your genre?
You guys should definitely check out my record brothers Perturbator and Dan Terminus, who are also on Blood Music Records. We are all really good friends, and they’re amazing musicians. Protector 101 and Dance with the Dead are also good friends of mine that people need to get into.

Is there any other terrifying music that you have in the works?
My second LP will be out sometime next year on Blood Music. And expect loads of touring during 2016!

Any horrific last words for Halloween, or a message you have for our readers?
Never say die! And in terms of Halloween, just drink red wine and be the freaky asshole you know that you are deep down inside!

GosT’s Mix

Dan Terminus “Death by Distortion”

Perturbator “Raw Power”

Dance With the Dead “Robeast”

Protector 101 “Street Trash”

VHS Glitch “Jaw Breaker”

Judge Bitch “Viper”

Lazerhawk “Massacre”

Carpenter Brut “Le Perv”

Flash Arnold “The Outbreak”

Dynatron “Aeternus Theme”

Stay tuned for part 3 with the sinister synth master himself, John Carpenter, who arguably popularized the use of electro in horror movies and was responsible for directing classics like The Thing, Escape From New York, and appropriately, Halloween.

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