This 1975
soundtrack
made an impressive debut for
Goblin
, a legendary group of Italian
specialists. Originally known as "the Cherry Five," this quintet was commissioned by Italian director
Dario Argento
to create a
for his terrifying thriller
Profondo Rosso
. The resulting album took the group to the top of the Italian charts and helped them build a worldwide cult reputation.
is an ambitious affair that blends
jazz
,
prog rock
, and
heavy metal
into an effective and totally distinctive style. The title track is an impressive exercise in dynamics, building tension as it moves back and forth between a quiet, intricate riff doubled on acoustic guitar and keyboard, with a full-blooded variation of that theme led by surging,
gothic
-sounding organ. Other highlights include
"Death Dies,"
a frantic piece of
whose pounding piano riff was later sampled by
Beck
"Mad Puppet,"
an atmospheric excursion that slowly adds layers of keyboard to a hypnotic, serpentine bass riff. However, the cut that
prog
buffs will probably like most is
"Deep Shadows,"
a frenetic slice of
King Crimson
-style
jazz-rock
that slows down midway for a dazzling mid-tempo section where a mesmerizing rolling piano line duels it out with snaky solos from the bass and electric guitar. All in all,
is a powerful album that will appeal to both
fans and
addicts. ~ Donald A. Guarisco