Monolith

1. Arrival/Departure

2. Robert L. Ripley

3. Up

4. Live from Tokyo - Aceyalone, DJ Drez, , Murs, Omid,

5. Sound of the Sitar

6. Double Header - Buck 65, Omid

7. Research

8. Myth Behind the Man - 2Mex, Abstract Rude, Omid

9. Speakers Hot

10. I'm Just a Bill - Omid,

11. Ripple Study

12. Shock and Awe - Busdriver, Omid

13. Always Being Born

14. Club Apotheosis

Monolith,Omid,Mush,Pop,Rock

Average customer rating: NOX ARCANA THE ULTIMATE MOODLIFTER Vampire country This soundtrack drains your blood dry, it's that awsome! Wonderful Halloween Fare Yet another great album!

Transylvania Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Sound Effects | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Halloween | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Winter's Knight Darklore Manor Carnival Of Lost Souls Necronomicon The 13th Hour ASIN: B000BO1JLY Release Date: 2005-10-21

Tracks:

1. Transylvania Overture
2. The Voyage
3. Gossamer Mist
4. The Black Coach
5. Sentinels of Stone
6. Into the Shadows
7. Castle Dracula
8. Visitors in the Night
9. Brides to Darkness
10. Grande Masquerade
11. Memento Mori
12. The Howling
13. Nocturne
14. Bats in the Belfry
15. Gothic Sanctum
16. Gypsy Caravan
17. From Dusk Till Dawn
18. Night of the Wolf
19. Echoes from the Crypt
20. Shadow Hunters
21. Lair of the Vampire

Album Description

Embark on a musical journey into the mysterious and forbidden land of vampires, werewolves and witches. This powerful, eerie and darkly romantic soundscape offers 21 tracks of symphonic orchestrations, gothic choirs and haunting sound effects, inspired by Bram Stoker's classic novel, Dracula.

Customer Reviews:

NOX ARCANA THE ULTIMATE MOODLIFTER.......2007-06-27

Theres not enough words to put down on what this group means to me....I wirte some of my best works by their music.

Vampire country.......2007-05-10

Books don't usually have soundtracks. "Dracula" definitely didn;t.

But when listening to Nox Arcana's "Transylvania," all I could think of was Bram Stoker's quintessential vampire, and the hauntingly creepy atmosphere of the book. The band forms plenty of rich neoclassical tunes, around a hazy storyline about (what else?) vampires.

It opens with a creepy organ, some smooth violins sweeping up from behind. A deep voice intones, "Darkness descends upon the land, wrap the world in night's black embrace... the restless dead stir within their ancient tombs, and creatures born of shadow rise to quench their savage hunger..." Imagine Bela Lugosi rising from a coffin.

It's followed up by some warmup songs -- the darkly enticing "Voyage," which expands out into an epic, eerie sweep, and the ghostly piano of "Gossamer Mist." The songs that follow are just as richly imagined -- ghostly fast-paced strings, magnificently dark organ and grim gypsy music, laced with church bells, shimmering vocals and ghostly little breezes.

Listening to "Transylvania" is like walking slowly through a cobwebbed, shadowy castle, and listening to Dracula playing a pipe organ in a dusty ballroom, with his brides singing accompaniment. It's not too hard to imagine that you're Jonathan Harker, after hearing songs like "Echoes From the Crypt."

Their music is an lush dusty tapesty of gothic instrumentation. Rich, hollow organ, shimmering harp, strings both windy and rapid, fast-moving percussion, a delicate piano, and some dark shimmers of keyboard all blend together into haunting slow-turning melodies. And as if that weren't good enough, they sprinkle the music with the flutter of bat wings, church bells, ghostly murmurs, and delicate music-box tinkles.

Fortunately Nox Arcana doesn't wreck all this eerie atmosphere with typical singing. Instead we get the occasional deep-voiced intonations, sort of like the introduction. And there are some delicate female vocals -- they murmur softly one minute, only to rise into echoing, wordless solos the next. It's absolutely stunning.

Nox Arcana's "Transylvania" does a brilliant job of capturing the ideal vampire-gothic atmosphere -- creepy and beautifully refined, with no kitschiness. The ideal soundtrack to Bram Stoker's classic (not to mention Halloween).

This soundtrack drains your blood dry, it's that awsome!.......2007-01-28

I have this one, its great. It's not only good for Halloween but its good for when you go to sleep at night, it actually puts you into another realm of dreams and nightmares. It helps you sleep and not only that, it gives you something to relax your body with. It's very good for one of those stormy and rainy or snowy nights. I am an artist and I use it to create monster theme pictures and other creepy drawings. It helps me put myself in that state of mind were I can listen to this and let my imagination flow. If you like this one you will really love the CARNIVAL OF LOST SOULS, WINTER KNIGHT. I still have to get the winter knight one. These soundtracks are classics, not that many peopl listen to them. They are for the soul purpose to escaping the real world and entering another of the bizzare and strange. They are just good to listen too, when ever you feel like it. But this is a good tool for some people who have trouble sleeping at night. But if you listen to the children of the night, and what lovely music they made, you will deffently get your money's worth on all 3 cd's Translyvania, Winter Knight, Carnival of lost Souls... It's worth it.

Wonderful Halloween Fare.......2006-11-01

You can hear a constant improvement in the musical quality of Nox Arcana's CD. This one, particularly, is a big step over Necronomicon. Not that Necronomicon is bad, but Transylvania is really good.
I'm glad I found Nox Arcana (quite by accident, I did a search for Halloween on Amazon and this was one of the hits) they are a treasure.

Yet another great album!.......2006-08-11

Nox Arcana is truly a original band for the era. The music is never boring and you always find something new when listening to it that you may not have heard before. Vargo is a very gifted artist in all the work he does and I for one am glad he formed his own band. The creative work behind the cd's really comes through not just in the music but in the album designs. Midnight Syndicate lost one of the most creative person's behind their success, but by starting the band Nox Arcana at least none of the fans are suffering. Keep up the great work and I look forward to the next album.

Average customer rating: D&D extraordinaire A stunning musical achievement! Breathtaking! There's only one word that fits for this one. That word is: Epic!!! Mighty Malefik Musick...

Blood of the Dragon Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Blood of Angels Carnival Of Lost Souls Winter's Knight Transylvania Darklore Manor ASIN: B000L22PE6 Release Date: 2006-11-27

Tracks:

1. Ancient Legacy
2. The Quest Begins
3. Citadel of Secrets
4. Sorcerer
5. Treasure of the Four Crowns
6. Highland Storm
7. Mist Loch
8. Underworld
9. The Mystic's Keep
10. Stygian Depths
11. Legions of Darkness
12. Steeds of Thunder
13. Rogue's Hollow
14. Warrior's Dawn
15. The Siege
16. Dragon Riders
17. Flame Tongue
18. Defenders of the Realm
19. Chamber of the Immortals
20. Blood of the Dragon
21. Eternal Champions

Album Description

In the time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies and kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to answer the call. For honor and vengeance they ventured forth with steel and sorcery to combat the merciless legions of darkness. For it was said that those who answered the call were possessed of the warrior spirit, and the blood of the dragon flowed through their veins.

Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski have composed an epic soundscape of powerful orchestrations, chanting choirs, mystical melodies and medieval minstrel songs that sets the perfect mood as you traverse dark kingdoms ruled by wizards and warriors to battle alongside barbarian hordes, elven mages and knights of legend.

Customer Reviews:

D&D extraordinaire.......2007-01-12

Techniclly, you don't need a soundtrack to play Dungeons and Dragons, or maybe a "Lord of the Rings" Monopoly game. But asuming you WANT one, then Nox Arcana's latest, "Blood of the Dragon," is an excellent option -- majestical, fantastical, gothic, and geeky.

It opens with fantasy-rock flourishes, steam hissing, and a chorus of powerful choirlike voices. Very "Lord of the Rings." Then a deep voice says very solemnly: "In a time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies. Kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to answer the call..."

That more or less sets the tone for the rest of the album: Nox Arcana keeps up that high fantasy feel throughout, flavoured with some Celtic sounds. Bagpipe stomp, eerie haunting medieval ballads, shimmering ethereal pop urgent, urgent strings and ominous "Dark Lord" music, darkly intriguing gothic music, frightening fantasy war-march, and new-age balladry.

Nox Arcana has already tackled ghosts, vampires, angels and even sinister Christmas. It's about time that they got to the whole D&D-music style, and they pull it off quite nicely -- atmospheric and heavy, but the guys know when to lighten the mood with some more ethereal songs, and that not every song should be a hard-rocker about a battle -- there are magical moments as well.

In fact, this is sort of a story album, although the story is more or less yours to fill in. Nox Arcana uses heavy percussion, gongs, some well-played bagpipes, harp and hard strings to add intense atmosphere to all of these, and listeners can easily imagine what they represent -- a nighttime chase, underground searches, a misty lake, a beautiful palace, evil armies attacking a castle, or even.... yes, a dragon.

"The Siege" is the pinnacle of this, since it actually sounds like a battle -- war horns, ominous chants, stamping feet. Then the album really takes off, right up to the rousing, inspiring finale "Eternal Heroes" -- it's up to the listener what has happened, but the rousing feeling of it is clear.

Steeped in atmosphere, and rich with solid instrumentation, "Blood of the Dragon" is a must-have for D&D and/or fantasy geeks.

A stunning musical achievement!.......2007-01-02

In just a few short years, Nox Arcana has pioneered and perfected the gothic instrumental genre, and now they have taken the genre to an entirely new level.
"Blood of the Dragon" is an arresting symphonic experience that takes the listener on a journey back to a mythic, medieval world populated by sorcerers, warring knights and lethal dragons. This setting provides a rich canvas for Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski to work their magic, and the composers deliver crisp, memorable melodies brought to life with the most intricate and impressive orchestrations Nox Arcana has yet created. Strings, horns and percussion are backed by stirring choirs and sound effects that easily conjure images of clashing swords, marching armies and awe-inspiring dragons. One of the CD's highlights is "Highland Storm," in which an urgent violin melodically chases a rhythm of pounding war drums, evoking images of horsemen racing across a storm-tossed plain. Another standout piece is the stark, slower-paced "Rogue's Hollow," a haunting mandolin song that showcases Nox Arcana's uncanny ability to craft elegant, meditative melodies that will linger in the listener's mind long after the CD has ended. Jeff Endemann's impressive guest vocal on the ballad-like "Treasure of the Four Crowns" is yet another CD highlight, demonstrating how Nox Arcana can move easily among musical styles, from stirring, symphonic war anthems to moody ballads and minstrel pieces.
"Blood of the Dragon" should have been the soundtrack to Lord of the Rings - it's that good. You have to hear it to believe it.

Breathtaking!.......2006-12-10

Whether it be by sword, sorcery or just plain creative genius Nox Arcana has stirred up an amazing alchemical mix of power-filled and haunting tunes. The bardic voice of guest vocalist Jeff Endemann is so heartbreakingly beautiful on "The Treasure of the Four Crowns" one can just imagine a lone shadow wandering a windswept cliff singing to the soul of those who would answer the call to this ancient quest. Vargo and Piotrowski lay out a feast fit for Kings and Queens- a feast for the ears, the eyes (Vargo's artwork adorns the accompanying booklet) and the heart that hungers for magick, mystery and a majesty of dizzying proportions. Escape to this realm and claim your right to the Blood of the Dragon.

There's only one word that fits for this one. That word is: Epic!!!.......2006-12-07

All those who would seek a majestic musical opus will do well to pay heed. A new tale has been woven by night's most masterful minstrels. 'Tis a grand tale indeed, of mystery, intrigue, danger, honor, glory, vegeance, and treasure beyond the reckoning of many a mortal mind. Behold, "Blood Of The Dragon" stirs from it's ages-long slumber, and what an adventure it is upon which any listener shall be invited to embark.

1. Ancient Legacy - The very first moments of this tell me we are in for a much different tale, and a grand thing it is. The music does not drift in gradually and 'creep' up on us. No, instead a powerful bass drum hit and rousing choral passages immediately throw us right into the middle of this epic. It calls to mind a clear sky with clouds drifting in over a bloodred sunset as we are given a panoramic view of a lush and rugged landscape, then taken into a village where a white-robed bard or sage dark of hair and piercing of eye sits among those gathered about a fire to begin his tale:

"In the time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies and kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to heed the call. For honor and vengeance the ventured forth with steel and sorcery to combat the merciless legions of darkness. For it was said that those who answered the call were possessed of the warrior spirit, and the blood of the dragon flowed through their veins."

This stirring preamble is underscored by a compelling mixture of strings and soft drums. At its conclusion, the piece is closed out brilliantly with more strings, soft percussion, rousing choral work, and the drawing of a sword.

2. The Quest Begins- If I had to use three words to describe this piece, they would be 'pageantry' 'hope' and 'beauty'. It's a wonderful blending of stirring string work, beautiful chorus, majestic horns and blood-pumping drumbs. It is easy for me to depict an army of valliant knights and warriors preparing to venture forth to accomplish the bidding of their king amdist grand spectacle amidst tender farewells to loved ones and the hope of a glorious return.

3. Citadel Of Secrets- This piece really impresses me with effective simplicity. With no more than a choir and a tolling bell, Nox Arcana is able to convey mystery, melancholy, wonder, reverence and power.Within my mind I see a candlelit temple where the guardians of vital ancient knowledge remain ever vigilant and secluded, yet willing and able to aid any who dare to seek them, that they might grant the boon of much needed knowledge and lore.

4. Sorceror- Chorus, drums, and swirling strings do a fantastic 'waltz' here. The chorus is especially majestic and powerful but everything blends wonderfully as the piece to me depicts a wise wizard working his craft expertly, that he might aid those embarked upon a vital quest filled with great peril.

5. Treasure Of The Four Crowns- I'll get right to the point for this one. This is a beautiful ballad. A heart-tugging blend of guitar, exotic percussion and gentle flute is combined with the bardic voice of guest vocalist Jeff Endemann. The blending of that voice with a solemn narration by Joseph Vargo in the middle of this piece works pure magic. It is a beautiful ode to a perilous quest for an ancient artefact prized of many for its power to grant immortality upon the worthy finder.

6. Highland Storm- A majestic musical movement, easily worthy to depict a tale straight out of Celtic myth. Rousing and blood-stirring Highland pipes start us off. The thunder of the bodhran soon appears, first mating with the pipes in a mighty slow thunder, and then picking up in pace to a gallop as it is overlaid with wonderful fidle work. I love the choral and cello work in this one too, and the mix of the Irish Uilleann pipes into it all. Taken together, this calls to mind misty emerald fields, meadows, and mountains through which warriors both mounted and afoot charge into and engage in desperate clash, beneath overcast and weeping grey skies as thunder and lightning mightily sing together, crashing and flashing repeatedly through the heavens.

7. Mist Loch- This is a perfect blend of beauty, mystery, menace and wonder. A beautiful harp passage is mated with a haunting siren's call. I love the feel imparted by the deep bass instrument, and the feeling of ominous dread invoked by it as it couples with a tolling bell Together, thest things show me a murky mist-clad waterway through which a regal songstress guides us with her voice and harp. The question is, to where, and what awaits ahead?

8. Underworld- I was initially surprised how much I love this piece, but love it I do. Despite it's darkly suggestive title, this piece is anything but PURELY dark to the point of becoming drab. It is dark indeed but it has sense of awe and wonder in it and is very much a rousing piece too. Pounding drums and a deep bass instrument that sounds to me a bit luke a tuba in it's depth of tone start us off... blending with strings that give us both a sense of adventure and urgency together. It is as if now the mighty hero has crossed the lake of mist and is entering deep dark caverns, exploring their secrets with his brothers in arms on the way to whatever lies ahead on his quest. The choral work in this peice lends a majestic power and magnifies the intensity tenfold.

9. The Mystic's Keep- Here, we get exotic. The feel to me is heavily Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Arabic. What sounds like a sort of gong is blended with invigorating Middle Eastern style percussion and tambourines. The piece is embellished further by boisterous male and pretty and soft female choral work, as well beautiful guitar and harp in the back of the piece and a rythmic powerful chant performed by co-composer Joseph Vargo in the front. To me, in my mind I see a a dimly lit but welcoming hidden sanctuary, nestled deep within perilous caverns. It is a haven where brave adventures may partake of brief rest and gain new information from a reclusive but wise denizen. The deeper bass drumming is especially strong here.

10. Stygian Depths- This piece is a mood setter as much as anything. It is comprised of the sound of wind, blending with a deeply booming drum and what appears to me to be the sounding of a great and ancient dark battle horn. The wind has an eerie howling moan effect to it that works wonders for the piece. It invokes pure dread as we await the imminent peril that is certain to come our way, and is a perfect segue for us into...

11. Legions Of Darkness - Tense and pounding strings and drums blend with a deep horn and male choir here to take us on this part of the journey. I love how the clash of swords and what sounds like chainmail-guarded footsteps blend with the percussion. A tolling bell makes a nice appearance too. To me this arrangement is dead-on as a fit for the title, depicting a meeting with relentless armies emerging from the depths both to confront and hinder adventurers that would dare to come. The final tolling bell is a very nice touch.

12. Steeds Of Thunder- Here we are aurally gifted and presented with deep rousing horns and thunderous pounding drums. They dance for us with powerful male and female choir and urgent strings. Mighty equine beasts are easily visualized, kicking up great clouds of dust and trodden earth as they gallop across great majestic fields. The powerful chorus compounds the already tremendous strength of this piece.

13. Rogue's Hollow- I am amazed by this. Why, you ask? Two words: Simple beauty. With no more than a pair of guitars, Nox Arcana depicts a homey sanctuary nestled within a lovely glade It is a place of rest come upon after the headlong dash through vast and perilous fileds and lands. It is a welcome and gorgeous quiet moment amidst the bombastic musical storms of the quest.

14. Warrior's Dawn- I see this is the antithesis of "Legions Of Darkness". Thundering drums mate with vigorous strings and choral work possessed of colossal strength. While still solemn in character, I see this piece as noble in its cast as well, while the other was sinister in its own way. The choir in this is very very strong, and I love the blending of the deeper bass drums with the galloping militaristic thunder of the snare drum and the booming resonant voice of what sounds to me like the Irish bodhran or the Japanese taiko. The occasional clash of swords within this piece is a beautiful percussive touch.

15 The Siege - A deep bass drone begins this one. It is soon blending with heavy slow drumming, invigorating but chilling choral chant, and brooding horns. After what sounds like a rousing battle cheer, the drumming kicks into VERY high gear, becoming a thunderous charge. That charge is lent extra power by the blended song of male and female choir, and the tensely swirling strings that drift through the chorus as the pounding percussion intensifies more and more, building to a breath-stealing climax.

16. Dragon Riders- I love this piece. It has resonant millitaristic drumming and urgent strings. They combine with majestic soaring horns and heart-pounding chorus to depict in my mind an army of airborned mighty warriors and the regal beasts they ride into desperate battle, contesting mightily with each other within darkened flame-streaked skies

17. Flame Tongue- This is a great heart-pounder of an ambient 'mood' track. The movement of great wings is combined with distant growls. Eventually they intensify in volume. The heart-stopping climax that also induced a smile of awe for me, comes when a pair of positively mighty roars are given, and combined with crackling flame. It was everything I had envisioned for a moment like this.

18. Defenders Of The Realm- Here we go! Now we get another touch of grand heroism! Deep and pounding drums blend once more with swirling strings and majestic choir as well as some very powerful horn passages. This time, the battle is turning in our favor. You see, we've got some tough hombres on our side too! I love the pure power of this piece It's an invigorating anthem for our land's heroes that I never tire of hearing. My mind depicts mighty heroic warriors rushing to meet the enemy within our keep, engaging in herculean battle within the keep as boiling oil and huge boulders rain down from above...Valiant archers lend their skill as well, firing swiftly and true upon the foes straining to breach our defenses, but failing in the end as our brave and mighty guardians save the day.

19. Chamber Of The Immortals- I will be bold and declare that this is the MOST BEAUTIFUL piece of music that Nox Arcana has EVER done to date. From the very beginning, the floodgates FLEW open for me and they absolutely would not stop. I immediately envisioned a beautiful crowned queen with long flowing hair clad in a pristine white gown standing amidst a magnificent treasure filled chapel-like room with brilliant light streaming in through crystal-forged 'windows' almost like stained glass, but crystalline in nature. I envisioned a mighty, steadfast and most noble warrior being given assurance of undreamed of glory, but that one final peril lay ahead for him to face. An even greater poignancy and power is lent to the peice by the blended chorus, and the soft drums and strings that augment it at the climax. The whole piece is heartstirring and heavily awash in pure loveliness.

20. Blood Of The Dragon- I LOVE 'thematic' compositions. Here, we get one of those, and it is grand and epic in it's power, scope, and stregnth. As with "Ancient Legacy", we are immediately gifted with a solitary bombastic bass drum hit blended with wonderful and regal choral melody. Instead of narration, this time we get to hear a blood-stirring combination of soft strings, drums and choir. Eventually, they all increase in strength and volume, and in power. They blend wonderfully to dominate the piece, mixing to comprise a composition replete with kingly intensity, depicting in my mind a colossal personal final battle between a mighty paladin of justice and a nefarious warrior king of dreaded repute. My favorite part is the POWERFUL chorus but the way the drums and the strings blend with it is absolutely stunning. The deep horns I heard near the end closed it brilliantly. Many times I have cried for awe when listening to this one.

21. Eternal Champions- Here we are, at last... facing the climax of this grand and epic quest. Here, we are at first gently washed over by a pounding three-hit drumbeat that alternates between three, four, five or more beats per measure. That is blended with powerful choir and tolling bells. Very soon, very comes the powerful bombast of regal horns and strings. This will stir the blood for certain. Further power is given bye an intense choral melody and song. I love the sword clashes that are part of the percussiveness of this piece. I adore the heart-pounding blend of everything: Drums, chorus, strings, horns, sword-clash and more. All told, it is a more than fitting closer to the disc. What I really love is how the horns and the strings will 'take turns' withing the piece. On the first 'run' the horns come to the front of the melody while the strings stay in the back. In the second 'run', the strings come to the front and the strings retreat a bit, but never "too much". It is just the right blend. In the final 'run' the horns and strings blend together equally, mixing with everything else to bring the tale to a stunning conclusion. All told, this song is a heroic fanfare very much befitting a victorious warrior and his band of bretheren. In my mind is depicted a mighty paladin of justice and right being gifted by the Lady seen in the Chamber Of The Immortals with the treasure long-sought by many, earning immortality and his rightful place in legend and lore, then freely going home at last with his faithful companions and his valiant bretheren in arms.

There's one thing more that I will say. Do not hit 'stop' on your CD player when Eternal Champions goes quiet. The bonus tracks here are brilliantly done, and they each induced a smile from me in their own way and for their own reason.

In closing, if you are a fan of Nox Arcana, you owe it to yourself to get "Blood Of The Dragon". If you are not a fan, one listen to "Blood Of The Dragon" may be enough to make you a fan forever. It is a step into new territory for Nox Arcana, and what a great and tremendous step it is. They have meticulously crafted a beautiful, majestic, heartpounding, blood-stirring and soul-sooothing epic fantasy musical opus that could easily stand admidst the company of nearly any Hollywood fantasy movie score. It is a fantastic tale unlike any other that I have ever experienced. Come forth and embark upon this epic quest. It shall not be regretted. No, truly 'tis most likely that it shall be loved, as it is with me.

Mighty Malefik Musick..........2006-12-05

The theme of this invigorating Classical / Mideival opus is that of Fantasy-Action-Adventure, with music reminiscent of Highlander at some points, with a distinct Dungeons & Dragons flavor. A veritable soundtrack to warrior escapades into realms of myth and legend, dragons and knights, misty lochs, Sorcerers and maidens fair. Great musick to plunge the depths of the imagination to accompany many mental adventures, with narrations from a veritable "Over Watcher" leads you into places only dreamed of in dark lore fane.

The Ancient Legacy beckons The Mighty as The Quest Begins. The Citadel of Secrets awaits your entrance, towering from knotted vines and black iron gates. Can you translate the ancient runes encribed on yellowed scrolls to lead you to the next great discovery? Deep within the lambent temple dim by flickering torch flame, consult The Sorcerer to find the Treasure of The Four Crowns, where your journey twists along dark paths amidst the Highland Storm unto the enchanting Mist Loch where many mysteries dwell, transmutating fog swirls about you revealing ghostly forms and phantom faces; a gateway to the Underworld opens beyond The Mystic's Keep, leading down through the Stygian Depths where the Legions of Darkness await. Hellfires leap from below with vengeful demonic cries, whose denizens shall soon pillage the land. Steeds of Thunder shake the heavens and quake the earth in their terrible wrath as baneful spectres emerge with eyes aglow in infernal light.

Rogue's Hollow there dwells shrouded in a haze of ancient spell as the Warrior's Dawn glows red, an omen of what is to come. With hearts pounding, The Siege yields Dragon Riders sillhouetted upon the horizon, as the fearsome Flame Tongue spreads across the bloodied land. Defenders of The Realm rise up to battle these shadowy phantoms with warcries echoing through the ages. Within the marble-laden Chamber of The Immortals, the living gods are present, and with the Blood of The Dragon, hail the Eternal Champions evermore.

As usual, the actual CD and booklet are splendidly elegant, filled with marvellous artwork {including a topographical map of Draconia}, and accentuating storylines.

Dare you step through the arcane portal into fabled dangerous dimensions to face nightmarish creatures and bewitching beings who rise up from the Stygian depths? Can you solve the riddle and survive to become part of the legend, or perish where many mighty have fallen...

Average customer rating: remaster Nox Arcana keeps getting better A Stunning Debut! Nox Arcana: The project that truly represents Halloween and for people who simply love classical-oriented Gothic instrumentals A well-woven dark tale

Darklore Manor Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Sound Effects | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Halloween | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Necronomicon Transylvania Winter's Knight The 13th Hour Carnival Of Lost Souls ASIN: B0006OHMRY Release Date: 2004-03-20

Tracks:

1. Legend
2. Darklore Manor
3. Threshold Of The Dead
4. Trespassers
5. Veil Of Darkness
6. Sanctuary Of Shadows
7. The Grande Hall
8. Remnants
9. Phantom Procession
10. Belladonna
11. Nursery Rhyme
12. Music Box
13. The Forgotten
14. Nightmare
15. No Rest For The Wicked
16. Omen
17. Seance
18. Beyond Midnight
19. Darkness Immortal
20. Incantation
21. Resurrected

Album Description

Enter Darklore Manor, where creatures of the night lurk in shadows and ghostly sounds echo through unhallowed halls. Nox Arcana invites you to embark on a musical journey throughout a legendary haunted mansion with a dark and sinister history. This gothic soundscape contains 21 tracks of haunting melodies, eerie voices, Latin chants, and foreboding orchestrations to create a perfect dark and moody atmosphere.

Customer Reviews:

remaster.......2007-05-25

the remastered version is were its at. it actualy sounds eerie.

Nox Arcana keeps getting better.......2007-05-12

They are the best at what they do and this CD is just one more example. You cannot go wrong with any Nox Arcana CD

A Stunning Debut!.......2007-04-17

Nox Arcana's debut CD Darklore Manor is a stunning, chilling instrumental concept album that could easily serve as the soundtrack for a classic haunted house film. Very few debut CDs have the amazing musicianship and technical virtuosity that Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski exhibit on this album. There are unforgettable, elegant piano-dominated melodies like "Veil of Darkness," as well as sinister organ pieces, moody harpsichord songs and elaborate, stirring orchestral set pieces that demonstrate an instinctive mastery of composition and melody. The entire gamut of Gothic music is presented here, and woven throughout the CD's 21 tracks are ghostly sound effects, chilling choirs and eerie narrations, all of which contribute to a mesmerizing musical tapestry. The CD's highlight may be "The Forgotten" - a beautiful, moving piano elegy that you will never forget. Many musicians strive their whole careers for an album this accomplished. The beautifully designed CD booklet by Joseph Vargo and Christine Filipak is another delight - this is an album that shows a rare attention to detail, from the packaging to the mixing. Highly recommended.

Nox Arcana: The project that truly represents Halloween and for people who simply love classical-oriented Gothic instrumentals.......2007-04-09

I was told, by a mysterious voice in the night, that I should seek Nox Arcana and await further instructions. But it all began years ago with the discovery of the Midnight Syndicate. So, I did the obvious and entered "Midnight Syndicate" in my computer search engine, and the lone website introduced itself to me. All went dark and quiet, and the room got cold, and I could see my breath as I panted in fear, and I heard laughter amongst terrifying screams, but yet, I was alone. This was only my introduction to the Midnight Syndicate and soon to follow was the birth of something even better, the nightmareish apparitions of Nox Arcana. I was compelled to bring Nox Arcana into my world, and so I've been in the dark ever since. But, then again, it became a blissful absence from the norm. Although, Halloween is never really mentioned with any of the Nox Arcana CD's, it does seem that everyday is Halloween in my world, and for the past four years, I've always feared that I've sold my soul somehow. I believe that I sacrificed my soul the day I got out my credit card and asked the cyber spirits to bring my first Nox Arcana CD into my home. It was this CD: "Darklore Manor"

Something became different about me. My very presence wasn't acknowledged in any normal way anymore. Was I being ignored, or am I even in the room at all? Something just wasn't right. I've had days that I've stared into the mirror, but somehow, I wasn't there. When I speak to strangers in the street, I don't think that they even acknowledge me. I speak with just a small hiss of words, and people respond as if they've just been pushed by a cold wind. My loved ones speak of me, as if I've departed from this world, but yet, I am in the room. Only when I laugh, do people respond as if they've heard something. They cuddle together, in fear of their safety, and cry out my name, in a past tense, as if I am torturing them. This wasn't fun anymore. It wasn't fun, THEN, anyway.

I wander aimlessly, finally coming to terms with this apparition that I have become. My only consolation, deep into the night, is to take some of my Nox Arcana CD's and my mini-CD player, to the cemetery and lay against a tombstone, and watch the wind swirl up the leaves in a satanic dance before my eyes, while the music plays and eats away at my scruples of logic. I feel a cold embrace of many condemned angels who've cast off all their inhibitions and indulged in lustful passion upon my defenseless mortal flesh. I am consumed into their ritual with reckless abandon. Returning to reality is all nonsense now. My only fear, is that the batteries in my CD player will weaken and diminish this clash of passion of my psychological pleasure and terror.

I am so glad that Nox Arcana has entered my once typical, pop culture world. However, I feel now, that if I should ever die, I may not know the difference. I've been enjoying this nocturnal bliss for a couple of years now and there's no going back. I walk this world in a cold absence where I question if my presence is perceived at all.

If you'd like to share in this experience with me, start off with this CD of "Darklore Manor". Then get "Necronomicon", "Winter's Knight", "Transylvania", "Carnival of Lost Souls", and their latest (as of 2007) called "Blood of the Dragon".

This music is not heavy metal. It's not satanic music. It's just a mix of classically-influenced instrumentals with various snippets of dark poetry and ghastly effects. You'll hear tormented screams, deathly bell tolls, sinister laughter, grandfather clocks, howling winds, and other little clever effects with piano, organ, and harpsichord, supported by rich strings and a mellotron sound, that promote a uniquely beautiful, but yet, horrifying terror that may claim your soul. It's a small sacrifice for the sake of a dark happiness.

Alas, here's one more way that I have benefited from the music of Nox Arcana. By listening to these CD's through headphones at the cemetery, alone, late at night, in the cold dark, there is a terror that I've experienced that has actually helped me lose weight. To be so terrified that my heart pulsated so intensely that I feared my heart would just burst! That, and the accidental soiling of myself, helped me lose about three pounds. Who would have thought that terror could promote weight loss?

So, if it's dark and disturbing, it has a place in my heart.

A well-woven dark tale.......2007-02-22

Though a bit more specific and talky than the Midnight Syndicate CDs (which was my first venture into this kind of atmospheric music), I found Nox Arcana's Darklore Manor to be quite creepy. It tells a story of an house under a curse, and the strange happenings therein. While it leaves less to the imagination than Midnight Syndicate's 13th Hour, it has plenty of frightening tracks for your next horror gaming session or Halloween party.

Average customer rating: On the Down Swing Kansas - Decent Album But Nearly As Good As The First 5 Although not as proggy, this is still a decent album a good album Darkeyes

Monolith Kansas Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Audio-Visions Masque Song for America Kansas Point Of Know Return ASIN: B0000025GF Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. On The Other Side
2. People Of The South Wind
3. Angels Have Fallen
4. How My Soul Cries Out For You
5. A Glimpse Of Home
6. Away From You
7. Stay Out Of Trouble
8. Reason To Be

Customer Reviews:

On the Down Swing.......2007-06-28

Back in the seventies Kansas was trying to keep the momentum going following their smash release 'Leftoverture'. 'Point of Know Return' very much succeeded although quite different from its predecessor. Then comes along 'Monolith'. As a Kansas fan from before they were commercially famous I was, of course, expecting another killer release. It was and it wasn't. Some good tunes here, but then again, not in the same vein as their past two (now)trademark albums. Maybe, the tension in the band was starting to grow as Livgren moved closer and closer to Christianity. Who knows. This is still a solid release, and I can appreciate it more now than I could then, but it still doesn't even come close to their previous albums. This album was much gloomier (so were their first three) and maybe that was the turn off for alot of people; a little bit more rigid and the cohesiveness of the songs just wasn't the same as in the past. Very difficult to put a finger on with this one, but part of it could have been from the record label to produce more top 40 hits instead of focusing on what Kansas was all about. Somewhere along the way they were starting to lose their originality and progressiveness as evidenced in further releases and the eventual break-up of the band and re-formation (on again / off-again kind of thing). You played it and then waited to see what they would do with the next and hopefully find their way back again.

Kansas - Decent Album But Nearly As Good As The First 5.......2007-06-21

By the time "Monolith" came out in 1979 Kansas had two multi-platinum albums in a row and had become huge concert draws. The band put together a massive tour for this album with a huge stage show incorporating top notch lighting, lasers, pyro, special effects, a rotating drum riser for Phil Ehart, and even had roadies playing parts in the show. It was truly a spectacle to behold and was Kansas at their absolute peak as a live act. The band also decided to play the then new album "Monolith" in it's entirety on the tour. Unfortunately the album was a definite slide in quality from the band's previous efforts. For many Kansas fans "Monolith" was the album that represents the beginning of a downward spiral for the band. "Monolith" is not a bad album, but it was probably the band's weakest effort up to this point in their career. The pressure of trying to write a follow up to the hugely successful "Point Of Know Return" seemed to affect the writing on this one. It is definitely more commercial in nature with the longest song clocking in at just over 6 minutes. Although there are bits and pieces of the bands progressive rock roots, most of the material here is more "mainstream" (for lack of a better word), which is not necessarily a bad thing, but a bit less than what Kansas fans had come to expect. Commercially the album did not do nearly as well as the last two. The single "People Of The Southwind", although a cool little song, came and went on the charts fairly quickly. Kerry Livgren's Christian influence really starts to show up here too especially on songs like "A Glimpse Of Home". The highlights for me on the album are the opening track "On The Other Side", and "Angels Have Fallen". Tracks like "Stay Out Of Trouble" written by Steve Walsh give a glimpse of what he would eventually do in his solo career and his other band "Streets". All in all this is a decent Kansas release, but not nearly on the level of the previous 5 albums in my opinion.

Although not as proggy, this is still a decent album.......2007-03-15

Like a lot of progressive rock bands in the late 1970's there was pressure to adopt mainstream styles and Kansas was certainly not immune to this. Although the epic prog works of the 1974-1975 timeframe were well behind them, Kansas still managed to forge onwards with a good album that exhibited well-thought out compositions and a high standard of playing. Clearly, although the times were changing, Monolith (1979) is certainly more musically interesting than albums that were being released by the English prog giants at the time and even the sci-fi/fantasy influenced cover art suggested that the band may not have been willing to completely let go of the proggier material. Well, let us just say that they loosened their grip a bit on Monolith.

The lineup included Phil Ehart (drums, percussion); Dave Hope (electric bass guitar, Autogyro); Kerry Livgren (electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers); Robby Steinhardt (lead vocals, viola, violin); Steve Walsh (lead vocals, synthesizers, organ, and piano); and Rich Williams (acoustic & electric guitars). The guys all turned in the typical high level of musicianship, although the keyboards seemed buried in the mix on this album - especially in contrast with albums like Song for America (1975) and the excellent Leftoverture (1976). As usual, Phil and Dave blast away and do a great job.

On Monolith, although the general sound is still that of the trademark progressive hard rock sound that characterized their output, the proggier aspects of the typical Kansas composition had been pushed to the background somewhat and more mainstream styles (e.g. disco) started to turn up here and there - the "breezy" tune People of the South Wind is a good example of this tendency. The songs range in length from 3'38" to 6'37" with most in the 3-5 minute range - as always though, the band still managed to say a great deal in a short amount of time and there are some extremely proggy moments on the album. Actually, in all fairness there are some excellent pieces on Monolith that feature fantastic playing, composing, and sophisticated arrangements including Angels Have Fallen, On the Other Side, Away from You, and the superb Reason to Be, which stands among some of my favorite Kansas compositions.

My hope is that this album will get remastered at some point - it really is in desperate need of an update. Maybe then I will be able to really hear the keyboards.

Well there you have it. Monolith is a good Kansas album that has a bit of the prog punch of earlier works, while moving in a more mainstream direction. For folks that are new to Kansas, I would personally recommend Song for America, Leftoverture, and Point of Know Return (1977) as good starting points. In conclusion, Monolith stands as a fitting bookend to a great series of adventurous albums of progressive hard rock released in the 1970's and is recommended.

a good album.......2007-02-03

This is one of Kansas's over looked CD's. I had this on both cassette and vinyl back in the day and own the cd now. This was originally released in 1979. I was always more interested in listening to albums that came before and after a bands high point. This certainly fits. This came after two of their most commercially succesful albums. Most bands would have released some half baked piece of musical crap that only hints at the glory they once had. After success most bands just have nothing more to strive for and churn out something boring and lifeless.

But this is not the case here. This album has many great songs. On The Other Side has everything you would expect a Kansas song to have and is every bit as good as anything from Leftoverture or Point Of Know Return. People Of The South Wind is a bit light and fluffy but still enjoyable. Even the two worst songs here (How My Soul Cries Out For You and Stay Out Of Trouble) are still filled with all the variety you expect to hear in a Kansas song. A Glimpse Of Home and Away From You are classics. I am only hoping now that they remaster this album as they did for all their other releases. This is the last album that needs it. After listening to what they did to the Masque album i am excited to hear what they could do to this album as well.

So this was a solid effort. So instead of buying Leftoverture or Point Of Know Return first, i would suggest buying this album, along with Audio Visions (1980) and their earlier albums.
KANSAS-1974
SONG FOR AMERICA-1975
MASQUE-1975
and TWO FOR THE SHOW-1978. an excellent live album that features great songs from these albums like Journey From Mariabronn, Song For America, Icarus, Mysteries and Mayhem, Lonely Wind and a beautiful excerpt from Lamplight Symphony.

Happy listening.

Darkeyes.......2006-08-24

A great Kansas album !! If you love classic rock, and dispise the current flow of repititious,boring,mainstream rock, than this album is for you!

Average customer rating: Completely satisfied Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness! Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD! Music to be enchanted by Very Good, Different

Winter's Knight Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Sound Effects | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Transylvania Darklore Manor Carnival Of Lost Souls Necronomicon Blood of the Dragon ASIN: B000ALIUR4 Release Date: 2005-07-25

Tracks:

1. Vigil
2. Ghosts of Christmas Past
3. Ebonshire
4. Solitude
5. Crystal Forest
6. First Snow
7. Evening Star
8. Reflections of Long Ago
9. December Winds
10. Phantom Toccata
11. Hallowed Ruins
12. Gregorian Hymn
13. Spirit of the Season
14. Coventry Carol
15. Lullaby
16. Winters Knight
17. Past Time with Good Company
18. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
19. Veni, Veni, Emannuel
20. Redemption
21. Carol of the Bells

Product Description

Nox Arcana weaves a musical ghost story with this haunting collection of original melodies, symphonic orchestrations, and Gothic renditions of traditional carols. Winter's Knight contains 21 tracks and over 60 minutes of darkly enchanting music to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Customer Reviews:

Completely satisfied.......2007-04-01

I am very satisfied with this product and recommend it to anyone who likes instrumental and haunting melodies.

Holiday music with that extra magic - creepiness!.......2007-01-26

If you are in a holiday mood, but are heartily fed up with Irish (or even worse: Mariah Carey!) Christmas songs, then you might want to consider this album. It is not a soundeffect album, nor is it program music. A final touch is that it is not cheaply produced, as some more traditional holiday albums.
The music conveys a feeling of cold, dark, and immensly lonely winter. The Christmas is there, but there are undertows of older and more sinister rituals, and whispers call the more unwary listeners to join in...
This album could be a very good way to spice up the celebrations.

Another brilliant Nox Arcana CD!.......2007-01-03

Nox Arcana's versatility has made them a tough act to follow. Whether it be a musical journey into the foreboding land of vampires (Transylvania) or a sinister carnival with a bloody history (Carnival of Lost Souls) or any of their other forays into gothic imaginings, Nox Arcana has taken each concept and breathed impressive, symphonic life into it. Their CDs truly are mini symphonies, with astounding musicianship and intricate orchestrations.

In Winter's Knight, Nox Arcana presents a moody, elegant collection of holiday-themed songs that captures the more mystical, meditative side of Christmas. The CD's strong medieval/classical flavor is refreshing, particularly since most Christmas music nowadays seems dominated by more modern songs. Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski offer great new arrangements of classic pieces like "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" as well as many of their own moving compositions, such as the memorably haunting "Crystal Forest" and the chilling piano-dominated "Evening Star." Guest vocalist Michelle Belanger also contributes a lovely interpretation of the holiday standard "Past Time With Good Company" and Jeff Endemann's vocal work on "Coventry Carol" is likewise a highlight.

While most Christmas music is, unfortunately, either infantile and annoying or overdone, Winter's Knight provides a refreshing change of piece full of musical elegance and mystical beauty.

Music to be enchanted by.......2006-12-25

As mesmerizing as falling snow, this poetic and magickal soundscape creates a wonderland of lavish treats befitting the Holiday Season. Haunting and sophisticated, there's a certain luster to these songs that reflects the gothically romantic luxury only Nox Arcana can deliver. The addition of neo-bard, Jeff Endemann's spellbinding voice on "Coventry Carol" delivers an extra gift of warmth for those chilly Yuletide evenings. The original score by Vargo and Piotrowski interspersed with classic carols and a booklet of eye-candy artwork by Joseph Vargo makes this a perfect fit for any Holiday Collection, so fill your wassail cup, pull up some moonlight and breathe in the wonder of Winter Knights.

Very Good, Different.......2006-11-04

The idea behind this CD and the music itself are a breath of fresh air in the stagnant holiday music scene. Dark and evocative, it pushes aside the sugarplums and saccharine we're all used to. However, the production leaves quite a bit to be desired. It's all done with computers - the choral parts are lacking in fullness, I can't always tell what the stringed "instruments" are supposed to be, and rather than cadences that would give finality to the piece, the tracks often come to a sudden stop. 3 1/2 stars.

Average customer rating: NOX ARCANA - 2 GUYS, A COUPLE OF INSTRUMENTS LYING AROUND AND A COMPUTER First Time Was The Charmer they just keep gtetting better.... Getting Better All The Time Nox Arcana's best release yet

Carnival Of Lost Souls Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Halloween | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Transylvania Darklore Manor Winter's Knight Necronomicon Blood of the Dragon ASIN: B000FOT9EE Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

1. Ghosts of the Midway
2. After Hours
3. Harlequin's Lament
4. Calliope
5. Madame Endora
6. Nightmare Parade
7. Shadows Fall
8. Hall of Mirrors
9. Spellbound
10. Cries in the Night
11. Soul Stealer
12. Haunted Carousel
13. Theatre of Sorrows
14. Living Dolls
15. Lost in the Darkness
16. Snake Charmer
17. Freaks
18. Circus Diabolique
19. Pandora's Music Box
20. The Devil's Daggers
21. Storm

Product Description

As dusk settles over the carnival, the once-festive midway begins to exude an eerie sense of menace. Pale green lights eminate from somewhere in the distance, where the murmur of voices echo amidst haunting music and other, more unsettling sounds. Dark rumors of missing children and drifters have followed the carnival from town to town, and though you are well aware of the dangers of tresspassing here, you cannot resist the temptation to explore the circus grounds after dark. Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the circus of the strange, the sideshow of the sinister and the theatre of the bizarre... Cast your eyes upon cruel oddities of nature and behold monstrous creatures from the depths of the abyss. Hear the dark wisdom of gypsy soothsayers as they unveil things yet to come. Marvel with awe and dismay at unbelievable death-defying acts that teter on the very brink of doom. Leave the mundane world behind, for those who visit this festival of phantasms, are never the same again. Step this way, there’s no turning back...

Customer Reviews:

NOX ARCANA - 2 GUYS, A COUPLE OF INSTRUMENTS LYING AROUND AND A COMPUTER.......2007-06-29

CHEESEY SPOKEN INTERLUDES ASIDE, THIS NOX ARCANA (WHAT'S THAT?) IS PRETTY IMPRESSIVE. HOWEVER, I GET A SENSE THAT MUCH OF THIS IS ALL COMPUTERIZED ORCHESTRATION, IT DOES HALF-HEARTEDLY WHAT IT SETS OUT TO ACCOMPLISH, WHICH IS ULTIMATELY TO CREATE AN OVERWHELMING PITCH BLACK MOOD. THOUGH THIS TYPE OF THING HAS BEEN DONE MANY A TIME OVER (GLENN DANZIG'S BLACK ARIA & EERIE VON'S UNEASY LISTENING FOR EXAMPLE), THOUGH I WOULD NOT CONSIDER THIS EXCELLENT, IT'S OVERALL PRETTY SOLID. HOWEVER, IT LEAVES THE LISTENER WANTING MORE IN THE END, PROBABLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT AS SOON AS YOU FIND YOURSELF ENGROSSED IN THEIR BLANKET OF HAUNTING DRAMA, THE TUNE ABRUPTLY ENDS. I DO HAVE A FEELING THAT IF YOU'VE HEARD ONE N.A. ALBUM, YOU'VE HEARD THEM ALL. I THINK THEY WOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE IF THE TRACKS WERE IN EXCESS OF 6 MINUTES RATHER THAN AVERAGING 2 MIN 45 SEC. I'VE READ OTHER REVIEWS WHO CLAIM THE SAME THING (THESE "GAMER" FOLKS). ALL THAT SAID, I THINK I AM CONVINCED AND CURIOUS ENOUGH TO CHECK OUT ANOTHER RELEASE OR 2 BY THESE GUYS. 3 1/2 STARS.

First Time Was The Charmer.......2007-04-21

This was my first time to explore this "spooky" genre in music, as well as the first exposure to Nox Arcana--and, my, what a darkly seductive experience it was. I'm not quite sure what I expected. Something "Gothic" for sure--but would it be art?

It WAS art, art-full, deeply mesmerizing & very entertaining.

AND "Carnival" is technically brilliant.

One of the things I missed when CDs replaced LPs was the creativity that went into the record jackets. Most pop CDs these days offer very little for the eye--but this is not the case in Carnival of Lost Souls. A beautiful little booklet is enclosed loaded with wonderful drawings & other illustrations, as well as a Goth libretto of sorts & many other strange & curious & wonder-full things.

Obviously Nox Arcana knows how to make the Dark Side fun.

I definitely want more...

******************************
Dagon

they just keep gtetting better...........2007-01-08

just when you think you have heard the personal best from Joseph and William, they come up with another. This concept album, is based on the book by Bradbury "Something Wicked This Way Comes". Read the book, see the movie, and then listen to this haunted soundtrack. There is always something very different at the end of every Nox Arcana album. and this one is no different. I was blown out of my seat, and I was driving down the highway at 60 mph! No more shall be given away, I cannot spoil it for others.

ok, a bit of advice (chuckle), play the cd for the first time somewhere OTHER than a car while driving.

Getting Better All The Time.......2006-11-01

"Carnival.." is a much improvement over "Transylvania" and I though Transylvania was really good.
This is great stuff to play in the background while dishing out the Halloween treats to the kids.
I'll eventually get all the Nox Arcana CDs just to complete the set. Based on what I've heard from the 3 I have, they will all be worth it to have.
Great Work guys!

Nox Arcana's best release yet.......2006-10-25

Joseph Vargo is known for his elegant contributions to gothic art and dark music over the years. Several years ago, he and William Piotrowski formed Nox Arcana and have been extremely prolific. It's a testament to both of these guys that their albums have been top of the line, and "Carnival of Lost Souls" is their best release yet. The beautiful cover art indicates the macabre contents within, both visually and musically. And at the very end of the album comes a hidden track, a rock version of "Spellbound" which has an '80's metal sound. Overall a fine album by the masters of dark, musical storytelling.

Average customer rating: Haunting Gothic themes occasionally overdone Interesting theme, Horrid vocals Not Bad Rebirth Astounding!

Blood of Angels Michelle Belanger Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Blood of the Dragon Carnival Of Lost Souls Winter's Knight Transylvania Darklore Manor ASIN: B000J4QQEG Release Date: 2006-10-13

Tracks:

1. Ligeia's Lament
2. Children of Heaven
3. Bitter Ashes
4. Ella Sheena
5. Angels Are Weeping
6. Widow's Walk
7. Forlorn
8. Blood of Angels
9. Children of Heaven (club mix)

Product Description

The haunting and versatile soprano voice of Michelle Belanger creates a wicked alchemy with the brooding and atmospheric orchestrations that have made Nox Arcana renowned in the realm of Gothic music. Timeless lyrics weave through rich layers of melody, telling stories of lost love and forbidden passion, drawing upon the ancient myth of Watcher Angels who abandoned Heaven for a taste of mortal love.

Customer Reviews:

Haunting Gothic themes occasionally overdone.......2007-07-03

Michelle Belanger has a good voice, but Charolette Church she is not. She's not the next great soprano, but certainly she can make some very fine melodies. In several of the songs she overlays her vocal tracts to make harmonies that are very lovely and haunting (particularly Bitter Ashes and Angels are Weeping).

None of the songs are BAD, but in some I was honestly reminded of almost comically overblown poser Goth poetry. These kinds of songs shouldn't honestly make me want to laugh at their sheer pretentiousness, should they? The poetry angle that seems to be most of the inspiration for the songs makes for fairly simplistic melodies. There's nothing wrong with that, and I thoroughly enjoyed at least half the songs on this CD, but some of them rate more in the tedious category than haunting or inspiring.

My advice, buy this on the cheap if you need some inspiration for your next Vampire: The Masquerade game, or your next delving into the world of Goth.

Interesting theme, Horrid vocals.......2007-06-18

I bought this expecting music to write by...strong musical themes with little or no vocals. What I got was a woman wailing off key and drowning out what could have been a great CD.

The lyrics enclosed were interesting,and may have made pretty good musical listening if someone else with talent and/or training had been singing.

Not Bad.......2007-05-17

I thought this would add a new dimension to Nox Arcana, it does, but not a big enough one. Out of the nine songs, five are great, four are good, but none are AWESOME. A good buy but not a Must Have.

Rebirth.......2007-01-16

When I hear this music, my soul and my esprit resuscitate. Michelle Belanger have a very good voice. Nox Arcana that I know long-past complete this fabulous album.

Astounding!.......2006-10-18

One look at the front and back cover of the Blood of Angels CD gives the would be listener an insight as to the hauntingly beautiful sounds that wait within. Even the disk itself, created by Monoliths Graphics, is a work of art.

The lovely voice of author Michelle Belanger is given full reign here, from powerful chants to amazing octave ranges, surpassing Nightwish and Evanescence's superb work. If you like love Nox Arcana and ambient music, Michelle's debut will leave you breathless. Fans of Phantom of the Opera will fall in love songs such as Bitter Ashes, one of my favorites. The title track however is a piece de resistance, with its layered vocals and emotional chorus.

Highly recommended- Corvis Nocturnum

Average customer rating: Pure Atmospheric Awsomeness. A musical tribute to H.P. Lovecraft The Mythos comes alive! A Masterful Musical Depiction Of A Terrifying Tome Simply Brilliant

Necronomicon Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Sound Effects | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Halloween | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Darklore Manor Transylvania Winter's Knight The 13th Hour Carnival Of Lost Souls ASIN: B0006OHMS8 Release Date: 2004-10-31

Tracks:

1. Mythos
2. The Nameless City
3. Alhazreds Vision
4. Necronomicon
5. Ancient Shadows
6. Azathoth
7. The Black Throne
8. Nyarlathotep
9. Temple Of The Black Pharaoh
10. Eldritch Rites
11. The Haunter Of The Dark
12. The Awakening
13. Yog-Sothoth
14. Guardian Of The Gate
15. Lords Of Darkness
16. Dagon
17. The Stars Align
18. Cthulhu
19. Ritual Of Summoning
20. Cthulhu Rising
21. The Great Old Ones

Album Description

Delve into the Necronomicon, a dark symphony based upon H.P. Lovecraft's forbidden tome of unspeakable horrors. This epic concept album is a spellbinding tribute to the Cthulhu Mythos, featuring a mixture of exotic, dark fantasy themes with 21 tracks of ominous orchestrations, Gothic choirs, Egyptian and Middle-Eastern melodies, eerie voices and otherworldly chants. This musical grimoir is a powerful and sinister soundtrack to evoke your darkest nightmare.

Customer Reviews:

Pure Atmospheric Awsomeness........2007-01-11

A "Must Have" for any Lovecraftian fan, afficianado...Or even if you just like creepy background music. Amid the haunting scores are several well done quotes from the fabled Lovecraftian tome, a chant to Nyarlathotep and the infamous "Ia Cthulhu Phtagn" passage done with 'proper' reverence and fanatascism. Definitely a "mood music" CD but one that sets the mood it intends very well

A musical tribute to H.P. Lovecraft.......2006-11-06

In this, the second CD realease from Nox Arcana, the focus is on Lovecraft and his works. The music explores the deities that roamed the earth when men lived in darkness and served these Gods as slaves. The listener is taken through a musical journey that explores the visions of Alhazred, the Mad Arab. The mythos of the Necronomicon takes you to the realms of Azathoth, Yog-Sothoth, Dagon, and Cthulhu.

I highly recommend this for anyone who has a healthy respect for myth, and can appreciate the dark musical talents of these gifted people. I certainly do.

The Mythos comes alive!.......2006-10-31

This is the perfect companion for sitting down and reading the works of Lovecraft. It makes for wonderful ambience! Excellent.

A Masterful Musical Depiction Of A Terrifying Tome.......2006-09-27

Not long ere this time, we were taken on a journey through the haunted halls of a ruined Victiorian mansion, home of the notorious Darklore family. Now we are invited to once again pay heed to the call of Nox Arcana... masterful and peerless minstrels of the macabre, as they invite us to walk with them once more. This time our journey is into a horrifying yet captivating musical opus depicting the pages of the mythos long ago scrawled by H.P. Lovecraft. Before you now lies, related to us in music, the ancient tome of the Necronomicon. Do you dare to open its pages and gaze upon them?

1. Mythos - Here we stand, at the beginning of a new journey, into both terror and wonder. It is begun with the sound of a howling wind. That frigid gale seems to have a keening quality to it, a moaning sound if you like, and a touch of faint "rumbling". It is soon joined by mournful yet melodious male chorus. Over this floats another voice, that of co-composer Joseph Vargo. He assumes the role of 'storyteller' for us once more, relating for us the following preamble:

"Long before mankind existed, the Old Ones trod upon the Earth. They worshipped the elder gods and served them as slaves, but in time, the Old Ones gained the knowledge of dark magic, and dared to use their sinister powers against their masters. The wrath of the elder gods was merciless and terrible, and those who rebelled against them were banished to distant dimensions, and imprisoned within the darkest recesses of the Earth. In deathless sleep the Old Ones dream and lie in wait for the time when they shall rise again. For when the stars come right, they shall awaken from their eon-old slumber. Then shall they return to hold dominion over our world once more, bringing woe and destruction unto mankind."

2. The Nameless City - This piece to me is beautiful. It depicts for me a wondrous journey to an unknown place, both dark and splendid. The piece is begun with a melding of what sounds like flutes combined with keyboard work whose tone is strongly choral in nature. It conveys a feeling of dread and awe together. Soon, percussion and strings join in with beautiful choir to complete the piece. The pacing is not quite a march-like one, but slightly quicker... depicting travel. In my mind I visualize traversing a desert amidst a raging sandstorm, and then crossing a turbulent waterway to behold an ancient city alive with dark and brooding majesty.

3. Alhazred's Vision - This piece has a very adventurous feeling to it. It seems to be a companion piece to track two but that's a good thing. Brooding strings and purcussion are joined by the tambourine to give it a more exotic flavor. Majestic choir returns to the piece in a way that gives it a very nice completion and fleshing out.

4. Necronomicon- Here, it seems, we are given a thematic piece. Haunting keyboards and sinister choral work pay us a visit to reprise and expand on the tune from the first track, making it the "star" of this piece rather than an undercurrent to narration. This is a good thing. It depicts in music the Necronomicon itself and is a more than fitting theme for a tome whose ancient pages are replete with dark wonders and ghastly secrets.

5. Ancient Shadows - Percussion, keyboards and strings do another dance for us. Choral accents here are very strong and powerful. As I close my eyes here, I can conceive in my mind an image of a barren land with a flame-red sky, slowly being swallowed by gathering stormclouds. It's a very strong piece and a great mood-setter for the terror to come.

6. Azathoth - This piece is a description of one of what Lovecraft's mythos refers to as the Great Old Ones. We are treated to a macabre choral melody over which Joseph Vargo's own voice gently drifts telling us of this creature : "From his black throne at the center of ultimate chaos, Azathoth, lord of madness and the abyss, rules supreme over all time and space... for he is the master of all that dwells in the darkness."

7. The Black Throne - Darker and darker it seems do we get. Ominous chorals and percussion mate with keyboards and tolling bells. To me, this piece blends terror and majesty in a manner that I might only call completely flawless.

8. Nyarlahotep- Here is another descriptive piece. Once again beautiful keyboard work with choral accents joins Joseph Vargo's hypnotic narration as we hear him say: "To Nyarlahotep must all things be told, for he is the traveller between the spheres, and the messenger between the realms of the living and the dead. He shall summon forth the ancient ones, and wake them from their deathless slumber. Then shall the Elder Signs be shattered, and the lords of darkness be released."

9. Temple Of The Black Pharoah - If I had to use one word to describe this piece, that word would be exotic. It is a beautiful piece, comprised of soft keyboard wizardry and chorals, mated with Egyptian style percussion and mysterious chanting. Part of it for a while sounds like pan pipes were used, at the beginning perhaps. Again I visualize crossing a river in a rustic canoe and coming to an ancient temple, a site to inspire both terror and awe being rooted deep within the heart of any who see it.

10. Eldritch Rites - Here, we are given a dose of the ominous and the sinister. This is a "simple" piece but I say that in a good way. It is a genuinely frightening vignette, given to us in a simple manner...proving that sometimes less is indeed more. A chilling sound, a resonant gong... is joined by brooding male chorals. They are overlaid by the voice of Joseph Vargo performing what appears to be an incantion of sorts... one that seems to summon the Great Old Ones by name, to bring them back from their deathless sleep.

11. The Haunter Of The Dark - This piece to me is scary but beautiful. A tolling bell is coupled with ominous choral melody and darkly majestic keyboard work and strings. Pipe organ compliments and fits into the piece wonderfully. The impression is one of being watched and stalked by a relentless and unstoppable force. The thunderclap at the end is an awesome touch and welcome indeed. Beautiful work.

12. The Awakening - "That is not dead which can eternal lie... and with strange eons even death may die." With this famous line from Lovecraft does the hypnotic narrating voice of Joseph Vargo introduce us to this piece. Heartbeat-like percussion soon drifts in, coupled with the steady, swirling sound of strings. Compelling choir soon makes its prescence known to us. I would name this one "invigorating". It's pace is march-like, and it carries a quite epic feel.

13. Yog Sothoth- Another homage to one of the Great Old Ones. Stately percussion and a soft but deep and resonant gong are the backdrop. Joseph Vargo's narrative voice joins us once more, as if telling a chilling tale of imminent catastrophe that merely awaits the right moment to fall upon us. "From across the black seas of infinity and beyond the mists of time, Yog Sothoth watches and waits. For he is the guadian of the gateway between worlds, and he alone holds the key to unlock the gate. For when the ancient rites have been spoken, and the lords of darkness have been awakened and summoned forth, then shall the gateway between the stars open once more. Past, present, future... All are one in Yog Sothoth."

14. Guardian Of The Gate - Here, keyboards and strings begin a new waltz for us. The strings swirl about us, as if driving us closer to the heart of a violent tempest. Darkly regal choir joins in. The tempo of these choral parts in particular, provide "spikes" of tension, as if the bolts on a great portal are being ever so slowly but surely and inevitably drawn back... it is only a matter of time before our worst nightmares come to pass.

15. Lords Of Darkness- This one is comprised of steadily paced strings, percussion and tolling bells. Choral majesty gifts us with its prescence also. This brings to mind a macabre twist on a kingly procession. It further lets us know that, all too soon... our nightmares will be real.

16. Dagon - Yet another description is given to us here... a piece of heraldry. Subtle keyboard wizardry combines with a choral moan of sorts. Joseph Vargo's voice chimes in once more: "Behold mighty Dagon... the great leviathan, risen from the black depths of the eternal sea. For he is the avatar of Cthulhu, who lies dreaming in deathless slumber... in his ancient temple in Ryleh."

17. The Stars Allign - Once again do ominous percussion and strings return to us here. Keyboards come in as well, feeling almost like horns heralding a great catastrophe. Snare drums make an effective appearance as well. This is yet another sign that our time is running out, even faster than it appeared to be doing so beforehand.

18. Cthulhu- Yet another gripping piece of descriptive homage. Choral work reminiscent of monastic chanting is joined by Joseph Vargo narrating for us very effectively. "Hail mighty Cthulhu, High Priest of the Great Old Ones. For when the stars come right, he shall rise from his ancient tomb to signal their return. Then shall the ancient ones long ago banished to the outer spheres break free from their prisons and plunge from the stars to claim the Earth once more. For those who lurk at the threshold of our world are ever vigilant for the time of their return."

19. Rite Of Summoning- This piece is just what the title suggests. Again, it is simple, yet it is also quite chillingly effective. Joseph Vargo returns yet again. This time he assumes the role of one who summons the great Cthulhu from his deathless slumber. His vocal performance is augmented really quite nicely by keyboard work that essentially gives us a dread inducing series of choral moans or a "howling wind" effect.

20. Cthulhu Rising - Keyboards, percussion and strings combine here with choral work to comprise a sinister yet stately and regal march. At long last does Chtulu awaken. The twilight of man is come. Alas and woe, the last hour is struck. All that remains is the fading of the last vesper toll into the midnight sky... and our time will cease upon this world.

21. The Great Old Ones- This piece, the CD's closer, could be called a companion piece to track 20. Again, it is martial in nature, expertly blending percussion, chorals, keyboards and strings. To me, it is a culmination... an expert depiction as Earth is swarmed and overtaken by a relentless tide of "invaders"... members of an ancient species of dark and malevolent beings. The first section of the piece is ended by what sounds like screeching bats or some other similar type of creature. There is then a fairly long period of silence until Joseph Vargo narrates for us once again: "From the wells of night to the gulfs of space let it be known: The Old Ones were, the Old Ones are, and the Old Ones shall be. Azathoth, Shug Ngurrub, Zath Ogwah, Nyarlahotep, Yog Sothoth, Dagon, Cthulhu... Man rules now where they ruled once. They wait patient and potent... for here shall they reign again..." There is another short narration at the very end of this track Honestly, if I could change anything about this piece, it would be the length of time that stands betwen then end of the musical section of the track and the first of the two narrations. It does not take away from the quality of the piece, but it is noticable and I wish it had been shortened a bit.

In closing, this is yet another brilliant piece of work by Nox Arcana. A truly terrifying tale of the imminent twillight and fall of the human race. Any fan of the writings of H.P. Lovecraft should love this, but you do not need to be a fan of Lovecraft's writing in order to enjoy it immensely. I love this work as much as all others by Nox Arcana. They are true masters of the art of musical storytelling... weavers of majestically epic horror tales, and truly gifted minstrels for the modern age.

Simply Brilliant.......2006-08-09

This is a hypnotic, dark symphony that perfectly captures the mood of the Lovecraftian Mythos. Listen to this in the quiet of night and be transported (metaphorically) across the vast gulfs of space and time to where great Cthulhu lies dreaming. This is the best HPL music I have ever heard, better than the music of Eric Zann.

Average customer rating:

Monolith Amebix Manufacturer: Heavy Metal / DNA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Arise Plus Two Total Doom Rise of the Serpent Men When Fire Rains Down from the Sky, Mankind Will Reap as It Has Sown Death Church ASIN: B00005MLRJ Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

1. Monolith
2. Nobody's Driving
3. Power Remains
4. Time Bomb
5. Last Will and Testament
6. I.C.B.M
7. Chain Reaction
8. Fallen from Grace
9. Coming Home

Album Description

1987 album for influential British metal act. Nine tracks including, 'Nobody's Driving', 'The Power Remains' & 'Time Bomb'. Heavy Metal. Slipcase.

Average customer rating: Wow

White Creamtorium Monolith Deathcult Manufacturer: Karmageddon Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0007LPJBC Release Date: 2006-03-30

Tracks:

1. Army Of The Despised
2. 7 Months Of Suffering
3. Congrete Sarcophaus
4. 1567- Under The Bloodcampaign
5. Haunted Ravines Of Babi Yar
6. Origin
7. Cruel Hunters
8. 1917- Spring Offensive (Dulce Et Decorum Est)
9. White Crematorium

Album Description

This is the second album from the death metal band from east of the Netherlands. Features the hit songs '1917 Spring Offensive' and '7 Months Of Suffering'. Karmageddon Media. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Wow.......2005-06-11

This is the most consistent album I've heard in a long time. Heavy and powerful from beginning to end. Every fan of death metal needs this CD in their collection.

Dance Music:

1. More Than a Mack [Explicit Lyrics]
2. Murder Love
3. Neva Eva [CD-single] [Explicit Lyrics]
4. Overhated & Underrated
5. Philadelphia: Classic Material
6. Rap Attack
7. Right Thurr [CD-single] [Import]
8. Scenic Route
9. Season of da Siccness: The Resurrection
10. Soggy Crackerz [Explicit Lyrics]

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DJ Line V.24 [Import]

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Golden Oldies, Vol. 3

Don't compromise your faith

Elmo Says Boo! [Blister Pack]

Folios Guitar Duo

Country Hit Parade

Ciclon

Christmas At The Rockhouse

Cybill Getz Better

DJ Gomi Presents I Love NY House [Import]

Blues Sky

Wake of the Flood