Gothic
By Nox Arcana, Released in 2015
21 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 59 min.
If ever a name that correctly identifies it’s product, then this CD is it. And who better to bring an audio representation of that than Nox Arcana. The first track invites you to spend the night in Grimstone Manor, to see if you can survive the night there. But you won’t be alone since there are many strange and mysterious things that wander the halls therein.
Season of the Witch
By Nox Arcana, Released in 2017
21 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 72 min.
It has been a while since I delved into the world of Nox Arcana. The funny thing is that once this latest release started to play, it was like slipping on an old jacket…it just fits perfectly. It also helped that this is the perfect season to be listening to it as well.
The Walking Dead
Released by Lakeshore Records, 2017
23 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 74 min.
Music by Bear McCreary
While I’m not a huge follower of The Walking Dead TV series, I am a big fan of Bear McCreary and am always interested in what he’s been creating because it’s usually pretty damn interesting. And this score is no different.
It has been a long time coming, but finally Naschy fans will be thrilled to hear that Carmelo Bernaola’s score for the 1973 film Horror Rises from the Tomb is getting a release on CD, thanks to the fine folks at Quartet Records. Being that this is my favorite of Naschy’s films, I am shocked to see it finally getting a release. The score is not even a half hour of music, but at this point, I’ll take whatever we can get.
Don’t Look Now
Released by Silva Screen Records
13 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 29 min.
Music by Pino Donaggio
This was one movie that I avoided for a long time only because not only did I know the twist, but I also knew how dark in tone the beginning of the film was. It was one emotional roller coaster ride I didn’t care to partake in at the time. But when I finally sat down and watched it, yes it definitely is a kick in the teeth, it is still an incredible film. And one of the reasons helping this is the beautiful music by Pino Donaggio.
One of the things that made Hammer Films stand out was their music. Yes, we had the boobs, blood, and beasts, not to mention an array of incredibly talented actors and technicians that worked on them, but the amazing soundtrack coming through the speakers made the impact even deeper. How can you not hear the blasting opening cues of James Bernard’s score for Horror of Dracula and not immediately get into the mood for some horror! Or even Harry Robinson’s march for the opening of Twins of Evil? Makes you want to grab your cross and stakes and go hunt some vampires! That is the beauty of the music that Hammer layered throughout their films. And now, thanks to the fine folks of Silva Screen Records, you can have a taste of themes from 18 different films, that range from 1957 to 1974.
Christine
Released by Varèse Sarabande
18 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 34 min.
Original Music by John Carpenter in Association with Alan Howarth
Another classic soundtrack from Carpenter and Howarth. I don’t know how Carpenter continued to do it all those years ago, coming up with a score that was so simple and never over-the-top or intricate, but almost made them damn effective. And the score for Christine is no different.
Using just a keyboard, they once again create such an eerie score, building tension and atmosphere that some couldn’t do with a full orchestra. Even on a track like #5 Discovery, it is slow with on a few notes but is still able to make in impact, not to mention what it adds to the actual film. When you get to tracks like Moochie’s Death, we get a lot of suspense through the beating pulse along with a little melody in the background, with a few stingers here and there. Highly effective.
At the end of this month, Varèse Sarabande is releasing this on vinyl, with brand new art from Gary Pullin.
