Customer Reviews

Darklore Manor

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4 star:		(4)
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Let me begin by saying I am a HUGE fan of Joseph Vargo's artwork. Ever since I bought my first calendar of his years ago I have been in love with his dark and alluring renditions of vampires and ghosts. When I heard about Nox Arcana and the Darklore Manor cd, it sounded too good to be true. I didn't want to set my hopes too high, in case the music didn't meet my expectations. Before this album, I could only imagine what a soundtrack to the images in Vargo's dark world might sound like, but never in my wildest imaginings did I envision music so hauntingly beautiful. Vargo combines his talents with soundtrack composer William Piotrowski to create a captivating realm of gothic wonders.
      Listening to this cd, one can easily envision ghostly specters wandering through misty cemeteries, and vampires rising from their graves during the midnight hour. The music varies from woeful piano melodies to menacing pipe organ music to full-bodied orchestral compositions. The main melodies are accented by tolling bells, ghostly choirs and the occasional chorus of Latin chanting. My favorite tracks were "Remnants," which combines eerie harpsichord music with a sad violin melody, and "Phantom Procession," which utilizes sinister church bells to toll out a haunting refrain.
Throughout the cd, we are treated to creepy poems from the various undead spirits that inhabit Darklore Manor, an abandoned gothic mansion that has become the resting place of an undying evil. The photos and storyline in the accompanying booklet tell the tale of an ancient curse that looms over the forsaken abode. Darklore Manor is a masterpiece of gothic music that takes the concept of an atmospheric horror soundscape to new heights.

- Angela Ramsland

This cd is the first from the gothic duo Nox Arcana. And it tells the story of cursed mansion that brings woe and death to all who dwell within. The music is sinister, enticing, and darkly inviting. Almost like a temptress luring the listener to walk through the gates to hell. Only one statement comes to my mind that describes this haunting cd. It's from the inscription above the gates to hell in Dantes Divine Comedy,"Abandon all hope ye who enter here". And if you dare to enter Darklore Manor you may never return.

"Woe befalls all who dwell within Darklore Manor, for those whohave met their fate within this blighted place are cursed to forever wander its unhallowed halls."

A magnificent treasure found, a veritable key to Darklore Manor. Travellng through the thick foliage of black forest underneath the moon's gaze, the fog increases as you near the omninous Mansion - at the iron gate, a phantasmic gentleman beckons one to enter the gloriously gloomy estate... and enter we will... there is no turning back. A strange chanting fills your mind as vertigo overtakes the consciousness, the shadows deepen beyond the creeking door, as the candlebrum is lit, and now into the labyrinthine hallways.

The musick is repleat with a mystical ambience flowing to take you into this infamous legend. The booklet is spooktacular in its artisry, relating the tale as well as poetry. As revealed by a yellowed scroll, seems Mr. Damon Darklore had been experimenting with some Dark Sorcery, uncovered by the swinging bookcase which leads into a secret chambre. A wonderful surprise awaits on track 21, so keep listening. The astute will discover the interactive booklet contains various clues and indications relating to both the story and the music itself.

Travel back in time to witness the events that occurred once upon a time in the theatre of your mind, allowing the dread muses to rise. Darklore Manor is a welcomed addition to aurally haunt one's own 'unhallowed halls".

{Keep in mind that this is 'part one' of the subsequent 'Necronomicon' opus, which reveals the nefarious source of events.}

Hear ye hear ye, all ye fans of Gothic horror soundscapes. Pay heed and rejoice. Verily have we great cause for much gladness. After two lamentable years of being the mastermind, major support and the unsung hero of Midnight Syndicate, Gothic artist, musician, writer and storyteller extraordinaire Joseph Vargo steps from the shadows...to cast a much bigger shadow of his own. Together with tremendously gifted fellow artist and weaver of tales, William Piotrowski, Vargo endeavors to take us upon yet more haunting, terrifying and intriguingly beautiful journeys into the unknown, daring us to travel into our imagination's own darkest recesses. Take these journeys if you dare, with Nox Arcana as your guide. Welcome to darkness' domicile. Welcome... to "Darklore Manor"

1- Legend- Thus does our tale begin. Buffeted by the howl of a frigid wind do we stand upon the pathway to terror. A sinister melody comprised seemingly of low-pitched macabre keyboard work or strings is soon joined by the voice of Joseph Vargo. It brings to mind a summer camp counselor, preparing to tell us a grand old-time ghost story. With the following narration does it commence: "Along a dark forsaken road, there stands a stark and grim abode. An old manor house looms black and tall, to cast a grave and deathly pall. Beyond the ancient wrought iron gate, a thousand nightmares lie in wait. For dark things dwell in this house of fear... and none but the dead dare trespass here."

2. Darklore Manor- This title track bears an air of chilling, dark majesty. Keyboards and pipe organ combine to bring us what sounds in my mind like a macabre twist on a stately and regal procession... as we are led further along the path towards an ancient home of shadow and sorrow. Gripping Latin chants performed my blended male and female choir mate with a tolling vesper to complete this darkly beautiful piece

3. Threshold Of The Dead - A mournful keyboard melody is a our guide past the ancient doorway of the mansion. It fills one with a sense of melancholy and wonder both at once. Some of the keyboard work bears a choral sound, and a tolling vesper closes the piece with somber dignity.

4- Trespassers - In pacing, this tune is almost march-like, but a tad slower. It is wonderfully comprised of brooding yet beautiful strings, percussion, keyboard work, and tolling bells. Now has the door closed upon us with a forceful sense of... finality. We're 'inside' the manor... treated to dark and enticing visions of an ancient grandeur, but there's a feeling of dread still, as if... though we are here, we do not belong and are out of place.

5. Veil Of Darkness - Tenderly drifting piano begins this part of our journey It is soon joined ethereal keyboard work that magnifies the piece's brooding and sinister feel. Through it all, there is a sense of awe and wonder, as if we are invited, yes... even dared to step beyond the veil, to pierce night's deepest, darkest secrets.

6. Sanctuary Of Shadows- This is among my favorite pieces on this CD. In fact, I WILL call it my favorite. It is an utterly intoxicating blend of keyboards, pipe organ, compelling Latin chanting and tolling bells. What this piece depicts to me is... majesty and grandeur, as if we are in the presence of ancient royalty whose line has, through avarice and tragedy, fallen forever into darkness.

7. The Grande Hall - We are treated here to another dose of the majestic. Keyboard wizardry does the honors. Tolling bells dance with it, as does the softest and most beautiful hint of choral melody. There is a sense of elegance here, and regality, expertly blended with a dose of the tragic.

8. Remnants- Here, the beginning of a beautiful yet heartbreaking opus is woven with the harpsichord, imparting unto us a sense of antiquity. Exquisite stately keyboard work mates with it, bequeathing a sense of beauteous heartbreak. The beautiful, and the terribly woeful, blended expertly yet again.

9. Phantom Procession- This piece is largely comprised of tolling vespers. Keyboard magic that bears the hint of a choral sound waltzes with it. I cannot say why, but I am put here in the frame of mind to visualize a grand gathering of specters, summoned to assemble as the dinner hour has struck, as if called unto a pale shadow of a grand banquet held in an age long past.

10. Belladonna- Here, once again, we are treated to an opus of... beautiful sorrow. Heart-tuggging and very soft keyboards blend with the "star" of the piece, a lovely and somber piano tune. This.... is in my mind a tender ode to Belladonna, daughter of Damon Darklore and his bride... It is a lament, mourning the loss of innocence... A hymn to the memory of a beloved daughter, lost to shadow

11. Nursery Rhyme - This piece is.... just plain eerie, and creepy. I say that not to demean it though. It is a great piece and quite effective. Bereft of music, it still manages to chill the heart, as the voice of Christine Filipak, altered to sound childlike, combined with a slight echo, and "blended" with her adult voice, delivers the following narration: "Sandman come to me tonight. Comfort me till morning light. As darkness falls and shadows loom, I bid you welcome to my room. Rest your bones beside my bed. Lay your hands upon my head. Cast your spell of slumber deep, and stay beside me as I sleep. If I should die before I wake, I grant to you my soul to take."

12. Music Box - I see this as a "companion piece" to Nursery Rhyme, and perhaps even Belladonna in a way. Beautiful bell-like tones depict the title's namesake. It is combined with child-like singing, and a little girl's playful giggles. It brings to mind images of a beautiful innocent little child at play, without a care in the world, despite having a darker and a very sad edge.

13. The Forgotten - A very pretty and mournful wistful piano tune is expertly blended with pipe organ to give us this composition. Tolling bells and soft strings drift through the piece on occasion. To me this is a tender, tragic ode to the former glory of the Darklore clan, forever lost when that ancient line began to walk a path of darkness.

14. Nightmare - In the case of this piece, Nox Arcana ably proves once again that sometimes the most effective path is simple. Here, we are gifted with that truth. An exquisite 'waltz of keyboards, tolling bells, strings and the faintest choral hints impart the feeling that we are spinning ever further down, deep into a vortex, deeper and deeper into insanity and utter terror.

15. No Rest For the Wicked- Keyboards appear to be the 'star' of this one. It is blended beautifully with mournful strings and sinister chanting performed in Latin. For me, what this feels like is... not 'drudgery' but rather an expert depiction of the eternal weight of sorrow that blankets Darklore Manor's denizens.

16. Omen - Once again, here the simple is proven effective. A very soft keyboard undercurrent creates a 'bed'... upon which lies a drifting ghostly voice. Provided by co-composer Joseph Vargo, the chilling voice intones the following: "Ghostly whispers fill the air, chanting omens to beware. Shadows stir in candlelight, then rise to prowl the dead of night. Spirits lurk within these walls, and wander these unhallowed halls. Cursed to haunt this dark domain, where mortal woe and sorrow reign."

17 Seance - This piece, upon first hearing, actually SCARED me, as no Gothic music had done before. Very nice keyboard work provides an undercurrent to carry the following echoed ghostly whispers: "We are among you..." "Beware the darkness..." "Lift this curse..." "End our suffering..." "Release us..." "Leave this place..." "Turn back..." The piece is ended with Joseph Vargo imparting a chilling and sinister laugh.

18 Beyond Midnight - This piece to me feels... invigorating. It is a... blood-stirring mix of strings, percussion, pipe organ and Latin chanting that feels adventurous and almost... martial It brings to mind once again a stately procession, mixed with a journey through the grounds of a place replete with ancient grandeur and heart-pounding terror as the spirits of the Darklore bloodline surround you to prevent escape.

19 Darkness Immortal- This is a beautiful dance between lovely swirling pipe organ, sinister strings, and beautiful choral work. Percussion provides faint and compelling accents for it. Tolling bells gift us with their presence, adding to the macabre yet somehow stately feel. To me this conjures images of standing trapped upon the dark and mist-shrouded Manor grounds as a regal Lady clad all in ebon robes beckons irresistibly for you to come, almost in the manner of a paramour... to follow her forever into the shadow to learn of and partake in its secrets.

20. Incantation- Here is another blood-chilling musical opus. This time beautifully mournful strings are underscored by somber and booming percussion that to me depicts a heartbeat. Drifting softly over this is the voice of co-composer Joseph Vargo imparting the following narration:

"Ab Aeterno,
Ad limina Mortem et extra,
Abyssus Abyssum invocat
E tenebris,
Veteris vestigia flammae ardere denuo
Iure Sanguinis,
Mors tua, vita mea aeternum
Terra es, terram ibis
Ecce quomodo Moritur,
Hoc sustinate Damnosa hereditas."

Translated from Latin, this says:

"From the beginning of Time,
To the threshold of Death, and beyond,
Hell calls upon Hell
Out of the darkness,
Remnants of an ancient flame burn anew
By the rite of Blood,
You must die, so that I may live eternally
You are dust, you shall return to dust
Behold the way of Death,
And endure the inheritance of the Damned."

21. Resurrected - This is the closer of the CD, and it is a darkly invigorating masterpiece. Mournful keyboards dance with percussion, pipe organ, energetic swirling strings and Latin chanting. It paints a portrait of an ancient evil raised from slumber to live for evermore. After a minute or so of silence, the musical homage to Belladonna Darklore is reprised on harpsichord, before Joseph Vargo gifts us with another chilling laugh. After another brief silence, the final section of this piece is provided by keyboards and pipe organ, joined once again by the voice Joseph Vargo, speaking to us "as" Damon Darklore, relating the tragic fate of both his ancestors and himself:

"Woe befalls all who dwell withing Darklore Manor. For those who have met their fate within this blighted place are cursed to forever wander its unhallowed halls. Within this sanctuary of shadows, the restless dead can find no surcease from their eternal suffering. I have brought this curse upon myself, as did my ancestors before me. I hereby confess my guilt, for I have conspired in blasphemous acts, and have committed grievous and ghastly deeds. And though I be the last of the Darklore bloodline, this curse shall not end with my death... For we have awakened a great darkness, and it's hungers... cannot be quenched."

In closing, this is a brilliant piece of work. Stepping from the shadow of Midnight Syndicate which he helped to cast, Joseph Vargo with this work proves himself a master of weaving deliciously dark and hauntingly beautiful and tragic tales. Together with musical partner William Piotrowski, he has crafted a splendid ghost story for the modern age, replete with every bit of the grandeur of the best of ancient and classic horror tales... and then some. Behold! Nox Arcana is born, and has quickly risen to leave its indelible mark. Verily indeed has Nox Arcana come to claim the throne and title of the true masters of the Gothic horror soundscape. One listen to "Darklore Manor" , and you may find yourself within their clutches forevermore. Enjoy the journey, if you dare, for upon visiting Darklore Manor, you may find that you never wish to leave it.

Nox Arcana is the brainchild of renowned gothic artist Joseph Vargo, who has amassed a long list of artistic credits over the past several years. Vargo delved into gothic music when he worked with the band Midnight Syndicate and mentored them along the dark path to success. After Vargo and his original band parted ways, the artist spent his creative energies writing books and painting new artwork for calendars, posters and a spectacular set of Gothic tarot cards. But now it seems this Renaissance man has once again turned his focus toward music. And thankfully so. With his latest project, Nox Arcana (Latin for "Mysteries of the Night"), Vargo has joined forces with William Piotrowski, a talented young musician and film-score composer, on an ambitious artistic endeavor.

The band's debut album, Darklore Manor, is a breathtaking combination of music and artistic creativity. The listener is drawn into a sinister soundscape comprised of dark and haunting melodies, while at the same time being treated to an original ghost story. An elaborately designed 8-page booklet includes eerie photographs and text that describes a spine-tingling journey through a haunted Victorian mansion. This cd not only appeals to the senses of sound and of sight, but to that elusive sixth sense as well. The combined elements stir visions of dark spirits that haunt the shadows of the night and the restless dead that dwell within the cursed halls of Darklore Manor.

This music inspires dread, sorrow, and an inescapable feeling that something is lurking in the shadows, watching...and waiting. It's hard to pick a favorite among the 21 songs, but some of the standout cuts include the melancholy piano tracks "Veil of Darkness," "Belladonna" and "The Forgotten." The ghostly voice of a small child can be heard reciting a sinister nursery rhyme as an introduction to the haunting "Music Box." Tracks like "Trespassers," "No Rest For The Wicked" and "Beyond Midnight" convey a sense of foreboding evil, while "Seance" opens a portal to the netherworld and conjures spirits of the dead into the domain of the living.

This cd really reminded me of some of my favorite horror movie soundtracks, and I wouldn't be surprised if some savvy Hollywood producer approaches the band to compose the score to a major horror film sometime in the near future. This is awesome stuff!

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.

I hate all the stuff out there thats considered "Gothic" music. When I first got this album, I thought "wow, this is what I have been searching for all this time". It's never overly complex, yet far from simple in all its dark splendour. These guys have a vision and their CDs are finely crafted, passionate affairs of grand spookiness.

Darklore Manor also has the ability to surprise you, like in the tracks that have an addictive demonic sounding chant, and the instrumental twists that pop up often throughout the CD. The theme is constant throughout, and the artwork in the booklet is just awesome.

If you want "GOTHIC" music thats actually spooky and haunting (and not just a bunch of[..] british men whining about their missing velvet shirt), then get all Nox Arcana albums.

Wow. Wow. Wow. I am Enedelia's 13 year old daughter. I was stupid enough not to get this album as my first Nox Arcana CD. I was lucky to get the remastered version of this CD. It sounds stunning! I can't tell you how impressed I was by this album. This whole album reminded me somewhat of the story of Dark Shadows. From the first few seconds of the first track, I felt in a completely different realm.

Legend- The sound of wind starts this piece. Some low pitched gentle and elegant strings then enter. Joseph Vargo speaks in this piece with the following narration: "Along a dark, forsaken road, there stands a stark and grim abode. An old manor house looms black and tall, to cast a grave and deathly pall. Beyond the ancient-wrought iron gate, a thousand nightmare lie in wait. For dark things dwell in this house of fear, and none but the dead dare trespass here."

Darklore Manor- Male choir and flowing strings begin this song. There is also pipe organ that comes in. Gentle female choir softens the piece as Latin Chants add a sense of an ancient presence.

Threshold of the Dead- The strings bear a slight choral sound to get the sense of entering a place of antiquity and wonder. It's brilliant and beautiful.

Trespassers- The sound of a creaking door opens this song. this tune is march like, but a bit slower in pacing. There are times when you detect a slight choral sound. We get a heavy and ominous feeling when we "enter through the ancient door" like we are not welcome here and that we may not leave this manor alive...

Veil of Darkness- Gently drifting piano start this piece as male choir and strings come in to add a darkened sense to it. For we have stepped beyond a veil to partake in the darkest secrets of the night

Sancuary of Shadows- Low pitched strings begin this piece, and once again you get a slight choral sound. Stately pipe organ enters. The pipe organ turns to freely flowing and Latin chants soon come in as well to give sense of dread.

The Grande Hall- This piece is just plain beautiful. Smooth and lovely strings start this piece and tolling bells and soft female choir then waltz with it. The bells get a chance to sing the melody while pipe organ dances around it. The bells and strings waltz in harmony till the end of this wonderful piece.

Remnants- Elegant harpsicord and strings start this piece. The strings will soon bear the choral sound again. This tune gives you a sense of the grandeur of the mansion that has fallen to shadow and disrepair. Nox Arcana does a splendid job of blending woe, tragedy and elegance.

Phantom Procession- This piece is primarily tolling bells and choir

Belladonna- Here we get sad. This is an ode to Damon and Elizabeth Darklore's beautiful daughter Belladonna. Strings and the choral sound start this piece, and mournful piano enters. This piece laments the loss of a beloved daugher, lost to shadow and darkness.

Nursery Rhyme- This piece was just a tad creepy. The voice of Christine Filipak is altered to sound childlike while reciting this rhyme: "Sandman, come to me tonight, comfort me till morning light. As darkness falls and shadows loom, I bid you welcome to my room. Rest your bones beside my bed, lay your hands upon my head. Cast your spell of slumber deep, and stay beside me as I sleep. If I should die before I wake, I grant to you my soul to take."

Music Box- This piece is music box like tones, which give this tune its namesake. You hear a child singing and laughing, giving this piece a sad and tragic edge.

The Forgotten- This piece was just tolling bells, pipe organ and piano. It was a simple piece, but effective.

Nightmare- This tune was simple and effective as well. we have a dance of strings, tolling bells, piano, and that haunting choral sound to give a sense of spinning into the insanity of pure terror in your darkest nightmare.

No Rest For the Wicked- Low pitched strings and latin chants to depict the people who have commited blasphemous acts and wicked deeds have no rest in the afterlife...

Omen- Joseph Vargo once again narrates with the darkest omen anyone could ever hear: "Ghostly wispers fill the air, chanting omens to beware. Shadows stir in the candlelight, then rise to prowl the dead of night. Spirits lurk within these walls, and wander these unhallowed halls. Cursed to haunt this dark domain, where mortal woe and sorrow reign."

Seance- This is my second favorite piece next to the Grande Hall. We have the choral strings play for us again and ghostly voices talking to you beyond the grave. "We are among you... Beware the darkness... Lift this curse... End our suffering... Release us... Leave this place... Turn back..." the piece is ended with silence and a chilling laugh from Joseph Vargo.

Beyond Midnight- this piece definately a march tune. It has quick paced strings along the beat, chior, and pipe organ. It give you the sense of seeing the Darklore bloodline surround you, not letting you leave.

Darkness Immortal- Male choir starts this piece and stately pipe organ enter. You get a mix of choir and the choral sound with the pipe organ.

Incantation- A sound resembling a heartbeat starts this piece as Joseph Vargo chants an INCANTATION: Ab Aeterno,
Ad limina Mortem et extra,
Abyssus Abyssum invocat--
E tenebris,
Veteris vestigia flammae ardere denuo--
Iure Sanguinis,
Mors tua, vita mea aeternum--
Terra es, terram ibis--
Ecce quomodo Moritur,
Hoc sustinate Damnosa hereditas--

Translated from Latin:
From the beginning of Time,
To the threshold of Death, and beyond,
Hell calls upon Hell--
Out of the darkness,
Remnants of an ancient flame burn anew--
By the rite of Blood,
You must die, so that I may live eternally--
You are dust, you shall return to dust--
Behold the way of Death,
And endure the inheritance of the Damned--

Resurrected- Dark and brooding strings, pipe organ and latin chants are the primary things in this piece. After a minute or so of silence, you hear a phonograph playing a piano version of Remnants, after which Joseph Vargo gives us another chilling laugh. Joseph then speaks as Damon Darklore in a confession: "Woe befalls all who dwell within Darklore Manor, for those who have met their fate within this blighted place are cursed to forever wander its unhallowed halls. Within this sancuary of shadows, the restless dead can find no surcease from their eternal suffering. I have brought this curse upon myself, as did my ancestors before me. I hereby confess my guilt, for I have conspired in blasphemous acts and have commited grievous and ghastly deeds. And though I be the last of the Darklore Bloodline, this curse shall not end with my death, for we have awakened a great darkness, and it hungers cannot be quenced."


I really enjoyed this album. I really didn't know what to expect. One listen to this album can change you. For you too, may wander into the unhallowed halls of Darklore Manor...

There will be no returning on this night. Nothing will ever escape these walls again...

I've been trying to round out my Nox Arcana collection so I decided to go back to the very beginning and buy Darklore Manor.
I know some people may get upset with me for bringing up Midnight Syndicate but......it's kind of hard not to for Nox's first release away from Syndicate.
As many of you know Vargo was a very important figure in Midnight's first two releases "Born of the Night" and "Realm of Shadows".
I find it interesting that Midnight, while having some great moments really relied too much on corny sound effects back then.
I think it was definitely for the best that Vargo left.
Nox and Midnight may be playing similar types of music but after hearing Darklore I can see that Vargo was aiming for something less Halloween and something much grander.
The first thing I noticed was no annoying sound effects. No rattling chains or ghostly footsteps.
Instead of coming out with a Halloween cd, Nox unleashed a soundtrack album.
Much different from what Midnight was/is doing. Not that I'm not a fan of both, I am. But to my picky ears both groups sound very different.
I'm sure the general public would be like......Nox who?........Midnight what????......and then go on to say they both sound identical.
UUGH......this is what pop music does to peoples ears.
Sorry, ranting.

Anyway.......Darklore Manor.
The good?
Incredible production.
Crisp, clear.
Stand out tracks are
Track one, "Legend"
Track two, "Darklore Manor"
Track five, "Veil of Darkness"
Track nine, "Phantom Procession"
Track thirteen, "The Forgotten"
Track nineteen, "Darkness Immortal"

An excellent cd and a must have for Nox fans.
Interesting to go back and see the roots of the band and to see just how far Vargo and Piotrowski have evolved as musicians.
Highly recommended.

A must have soundtrack for the home of any goth.A beautiful arrangement of dark soundscapes and overall creepy ambiance for any dark and stormy night.