When I got this CD in the mail I really didn't know what to expect. I had heard the buzz surrounding it and really hoped this wouldn't be bad rock opera. It wasn't. When you listen to it the first thing that comes to mind is epic. The best way to describe this CD is as a Musical Ghost Story (like it says on the disc). It tells the tale of good vs. evil and the curse that      has plagued it all with some kick ass music in between.

Dee Snider, who is mainly known as the lead singer for Twisted Sister and most recently the narrative voice on the Halloween back story, does an excellent job at conveying the tale.

His haunting descriptions of the story between songs and at brief intervals in them really add to the atmosphere of this CD and in no way      detract from it.

As soon as you pop the CD in you'll easily recognize such familiar songs as "TUBULAR BELLS" (Theme from the Exorcist) "AVE SATANI" (Omen) AND "MOONLIGHT" SONATA" (Beethoven). But those songs aren't really the focus of the soundtrack but are cleverly mixed into the background with some great guitar and keyboard work. As a guitar player and former metal/fusion head from the eighties, I have to complement these musicians on there work. There are times when they rip some of the most beautiful classical leads. Very reminiscent of when Yngwie Malmsteen was at the top of his game. But only with more style and presence and not as mechanical. But that is only half of      what you hear. They also have an orchestra playing along with them which really adds to the telling of the story and feel of each song. And of course what epic CD wouldn't be complete without the sounds of gothic singers roaring cult like chants. This especially sounds good during Tracks 4 (Let me Prey) and 7 (Revenge).

One of the best tracks on the cd is "Let the Pain Begin" It is the final musical track and it combines all of the above, done to Black Sabbath's "Black Sabbath". It's SWEET.

There are 10 total tracks on the cd and all blend together perfectly.

Each song isn't long and the total running time is just under 45 minutes.

Overall this CD will entertain you. I'm old school and definitely appreciate the metal overtones in these tracks.  Whether you are a horror fan or a metal/fusion fan or a gothic/epic fan (if there is such a thing) you will really appreciate the amount of time and work that went into making this. If your neither, than you should leave this site now. For the rest of you "Stay Hungry", Van Helsing's Curse hits stores October 7th. Run don't walk and get your copy you won't be disappointed.

I give this CD 5 out of 5 pumpkins