THE NEW CURSE OF HALLOWEEN
view original reviewWhen I received an advanced copy of VAN HELSING'S CURSE in the mail this past weekend, I was expecting a far reaching horror soundtrack, as promised...
But as the story and music evolves, it draws you into the epic story...the battle of light and night...The age old triumph of good over the feared endless tide of death and horror...
The CD promises to be "soundtrack for Halloween"...It just may be...
The tracks begin with the introduction...A whispering voice turns into a roar..."PATIENCE" is in order to begin...
Then the music rolls out. Beginning with an almost beautiful, serene, and methodical TUBULAR 'HELL' jazzed up and bloodied up to become a newer post modern horror masterpiece of rock...
VAN HELSING'S CURSE has been released by Koch records today, Amazon already selling, October 7, 2003.. In the Oculus Infernum (latin for eye of hell) you'll hear an orchestra, choir, and rock music in a "veritable Frankenstein’s monster of musical styles."
And, as most horror legends go: The album is the musical battle between good and evil...
According to the official press release, "a dark, amorphous entity descends upon the earth and embarks on an unhindered killing spree. An orphaned boy seeks to end this ‘reign of terror’ and confides in a direct descendant of vampire hunter Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (from Bram Stoker's Dracula novel) in order to dispatch the entity." The boy, after all, has a secret that evil cannot destroy: Eternal innocence.
Horror fans will notice classic favorites, too, throughout the album.
As you rummage through the narrated story and musical, you will recognize TUBULAR BELLS, as mentioned above...AVE SATANI from the OMEN, and even Beethoven's MOONLIGHT SONATA on track 6, the TORTURED SOUL...
Among the instruments in use: Baritone Trombone, Bass, Drums, French Horns (2), Guitars, Keyboards, Piano, String Ensemble, Trombone, Trumpet, and violins...
And behind the new CD: Dee Snider. Twisted Sister. He's not gonna take it. Anymore...
Snider has been known in circles for some time, as is a fan of the genre..In 2000, Snider narrated a documentary home video regarding the making of the movie HalloweeN. He also serves as narrator of the Oculus Infernum storyline in this OCULUS INFERNUM...
Mark Morton, Director of New Media at CHIPSTER ENTERTAINMENT, told the HORROR-REPORT, "Aside from the typical cheese that is always available, Dee Snider felt that Halloween never got its proper due, as far as music. This is his way of 'giving back' to a holiday he appreciates deeply."
According to various sources, Snider has a list of goals for VAN HELSING'S CURSE. He wants VAN HELSING'S CURSE and "Oculus Infernum" part of their Halloween experience. ...
Snider told other sites that he would envisions annual October tours by VAN HELSING'S CURSE, hoping for fan participation... ...
The CHILD, the REVENGE, and the WAR...Modern day tortures, modern day horrors, and modern day victories over evil--with the modern day sequels...All in one album...
It became the soundtrack for my Halloween in 2003....