Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Darklore Manor is a masterpiece of gothic music, June 1, 2004
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
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Halloween music or for anytime you want something devilshly dark, October 27, 2005
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.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An invitation..., August 16, 2005
"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.}
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