Why are Dario Argento’s films so compelling? It’s largely due to his knack for matching fantastic, terrifying imagery with amazing music that fully enhances the mood. The Italian writer/director works closely with composers, which has resulted in a number of highly effective horror movie scores. He’s frequently collaborated with the prog rock band Goblin, and soundtracks for two of those films, plus Argento’s team up with one of prog’s most famous and flamboyant figures, are about to be reissued on vinyl—and in lavishly packaged, expanded editions, to boot.
This Friday, Waxwork Records will release enhanced and complete soundtracks for three Dario Argento classics: Profondo Rosso (a/k/a Deep Red (1975), Inferno (1980), and Phenomena (1985). Profondo Rosso is the first Argento film Goblin scored, while the music for Phenomena was composed by Goblin band members, Claudio Simonetti and Fabio Pignatelli, and performed by the group. Inferno is the work of the late Keith Emerson. Waxwork has produced the definitive versions of these soundtracks, with lots of previously unreleased tracks. Each release includes stunning, newly commissioned artwork and cool colored vinyl, with high quality gatefold jackets.
We’ve got a sneak peak at what Waxwork is offering; the majority of these images are making their web premiere.
Profondo Rosso:
Inferno:
Phenomena:
Beginning September 7th—which is also Dario Argento’s 78th birthday—the soundtracks will be available to order through Waxwork’s website. Follow the label’s Facebook page and stay in the loop.
We’re also including the trailers for each movie, as they provide examples of the killer music heard during the films and on their respective soundtracks.
We’ll bid you addio with footage of Dario Argento and Keith Emerson shot during the production of Inferno.
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Waxwork Records, the leader in beautifully packaged soundtracks on vinyl (plus a DM premiere)
The creeptastic ‘mad puppet’ in Dario Argento’s shocker ‘Deep Red’ will haunt your dreams
Progrock on Broadway? Keith Emerson & the Nice take a stab at ‘America’ from ‘West Side Story, 1968