- P. Lovecraft’s literary heritage lives and influences people of art long after his passing in the world beyond the wall of sleep. His stories spawned a pleiades of followers who developed his mythology to new levels. His images inspired cinematographers, other writers, artists and musicians known for their sensitive perception. All of them heeded the call of the Great Old Ones and broadcast their will in visual and sound forms. Lovecraftian cosmic horrors became a sort of quality mark, fictional forbidden grimoires from his stories took on a life of their own, and we know what “Lovecraft’s country” exists and the pantheon of creatures he invented became even more alive than any pagan gods of years that passed.
Disgusting rituals are a common thing in Lovecraft’s stories and therefore their wicked rhythms and chants build a rich sonic background which could feed musicians. But there’s another far more significant element which leads to this insane cacophony in the name of Chaos and Lunacy – dark gods themselves. Azathoth, the boundless daemon sultan, “gnaws hungrily in inconceivable, unlighted chambers beyond time and space amidst the muffled, maddening beating of vile drums and the thin monotonous whine of accursed flutes”. Then you should remember the appearance of hideous Dagon who “gave vent to certain measured sounds” and more. The maddening call of Cthulhu is a constant refrain and a beckon for those who only start their acquaintance with Lovecraftian Mythos. And don’t forget ‘The Music of Erich Zann’ short story, an in-depth view on the spiritual nature of music in human life. The sound, the music are constant elements of supernatural phenomena heralding the arrival of dangerous alien beings.
The first real band which took an effort to channel Lovecraft’s heresies into life directly was American psychedelic rock band H. P. Lovecraft which was born in the late 60s. They recorded four full-length albums before disappearing into oblivion and made this first manifest. Less successful Halloween (France) showed their own progressive vision on Lovecraft’s poetry back in the 80s as well as their elder and more prolific colleagues from Belgium – Univers Zero. At the same time young metal bands like Mercyful Fate, Metallica and Mekong Delta paid their tribute to this talented writer too. Big bands like Cradle of Filth, Therion and Rage walked the same path in the 90s, and nowadays it turns to the cult following if you wish. Black, doom, death and progressive metal bands keep the fire of cosmic horrors burning for decades, and we welcome you to come close to the flame.
Alex Evdokimov
We are proud to present this tribute to the Master of Weird, Science and Horror fiction with Italian and International bands giving their musical vision to the H.P. Lovecraft tales.
TRACK LIST:
LP 1
1-DEATH SS – Necronomicon 4:49
2-MORTIIS- Descending into a Dream 5:12
3-LA JANARA – La Casa Stregata 4:38
4-RUNAWAY TOTEM – Nodens 5:15
5-PAUL ROLAND – The Cats of Ulthar 7:30
6-L’IMPERO DELLE OMBRE – Dagon 8:13
7-IL SEGNO DEL COMANDO – K’n-yan 7:42
8- SOUL OF ENOCH – Festival in Kingsport 6:34
9-SALEM CROSS – Red Hook 5:08
LP 2
1- WITCHWOOD- The Shadow Over Innsmouth 4:51
2-VITAM AETERNAM – The Anachronic Geminae 5:04
3-PAUL ROLAND- The Music of Eric Zahn 6:56
4-DUNWICH – Whispering Darkness 5:02
5-BLUE DAWN-The Dunwich Horror 5:12
6-LA MORTE VIENE DALLO SPAZIO – The Colour out of Space 4:55
7-LA STANZA DELLE MASCHERE- Aria Fredda 5:00
8-FREDDY DELIRIO AND THE PHANTOMS – On the Threshold 4:44
9-THE MAGIK WAY. – Hypnos 4:49
10- EMINENCE NOIR (Auve Sylvan/Northwinds solo project) – Dagon 7:44
