SUSPIRIA (OST)

The stylish, blood-drenched horror films of director Dario Argento would provide the perfect platform for Italian symphonic-proggers Goblin, none more so than the seminal, and surreal, 1976 horror-fantasy 'Suspiria'. Hailed as one of Argento's finest and as one of the greatest horror films of the 20th century, 'Suspiria' features American actress Jessica Harper as a ballet student sent to study at a gothic girls school in rural Switzerland, a school which may be haunted by a coven of evil witches. The combination of Argento's bravura direction, the strange, multi-coloured set design, a series of cleverly-constructed suspense set-pieces and Goblin's creepy soundtrack made for a truly terrifying experience, and the success of both the film and the soundtrack would prove a career high-point for both director and group. The trick Goblin managed to pull-off was creating an album's worth of music that could both enhance the film's impact but also be an album in it's own right; indeed, the 'Suspiria' soundtrack, along with Argento's stylish visuals, are one the film's most indelible, and important, elements, brewing up a genuine atmosphere of dread that permeates each scene. The music combines richly with Argento's prowling camera, but the impact is not lost when the music is taken out of context and listened to by itself. The opening title track, with it's piercing synths, hypnotic bass groove and lightly-strummed acoustic guitars is one of the great modern horror themes, but more than that it is also a damn fine prog-rock workout, showcasing Goblin's keen ear for building tension and their tendency to underpin their dread-filled symphonies with a smattering of funk-tinged electronica. It is without a doubt the stand-out track on the album, as well as being the group's musical calling card, but the rest of 'Suspiria' is also well worth exploring. Imagine Yes sacked Rick Wakeman, replaced him with Dracula and started recording an album for the devil and you kind of get the Goblin dynamic; stylish, atmospheric, funky and highly-symphonic, 'Suspiria' is remarkable piece of music, both as a soundtrack and as a stand-alone album. Those familiar with the soundtracks of both Tangerine Dream and US director John Carpenter, as well as the contemporary, analogue synth-driven electronica of French duo Zombie Zombie, will be in for a real, blood-drenched treat. Horror never sounded so good. STEFAN TURNER, LONDON, 2010