goblin

Goblin to play first-ever U.S. show at Housecore Horror Festival, performing 'Suspiria' score

by Fred Pessaro // BBG

Goblin

Never say never. A band that I thought I personally would never be able to see in my lifetime was Italian horror-prog band Goblin.

Formed in 1972, Goblin’s roots lie in several other Italian prog-rock bands of the time… the group initially dubbed itself the Cherry Five and played British-style progressive rock in the vein of Yes, Genesis, and ELP. They signed with the Italian Cinevox label, and issued a self-titled debut in 1975, which performed disappointingly. However, it caught the ear of film director Dario Argento, who contacted Cinevox after growing dissatisfied with the jazzy work being done on his Profondo Rosso by composer Giorgio Gaslini. the Cherry Five rechristened themselves Goblin (in keeping with the horror movie theme), kept a small portion of Gaslini’s work, and completely redid the remainder of the score in a heavier, harder-rocking style. The results helped make the film a hit, and the soundtrack album topped the Italian charts… [Argento] put Goblin to work creating a new soundtrack; this time, he shot the film only after hearing the music. The result, 1977’s Suspiria, became Goblin’s most acclaimed work, combining the band’s heavy riffing and busy drum work with more eerie electronics than ever before, plus sinister, experimental vocal effects. The film and soundtrack were both hits once again, and the Goblin/Argento partnership was firmly established -[Allmusic]

That all changed today when the previously discussed Housecore Horror Film Festival announced that Goblin’s Maurizio Guarini and Claudio Simonetti will perform a live score of the classic film Suspiria during the Austin, TX festival! The appearance, which will occur at Emo’s between October 25-27, is the band’s first-ever performance in the U.S. The appearance will join the previously announced performers Down, Crowbar, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, EyeHateGod, Warbeast and Void ov Voices (aka Attila of Mayhem), who will perform “a live soundtrack for The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” Tickets are on sale.

Head below for the trailer for the legendary Suspiria.

Goblin – ‘Suspira’ soundtrack

‘Suspira’ trailer

Suspiria flyer