Goblin is the ultimate halloween band! They were originally a five piece progressive rock band called Cherry Five until meeting horror film director Dario Argento in 1975. After Dario fired jazz pianist Giorgio Gaslini as head composer for Profundo Rosso (Deep Red), he brought in this rock band to take over. Simply put, they renamed themselves Goblin and changed horror movies forever. Throughout the late 70’s they produced groundbreaking soundtracks and became huge superstars in Japan and Europe. They have released 18 full length soundtracks as well as an abundance of 7 inch singles and CD collections. Goblin undoubtedly inspired tons of rock bands as well as other composers (including John Carpenter) to take chances musically. But more importantly, Goblin pushed soundtrack work into a brand new era, one that recognizes and values the role of music in film.
L’alba Dei Morti Viventi from Dawn of the Dead soundtrack (1978)
Theme song from Dawn of The Dead, probably their most recognized song and greatest musical achievement. The original Dawn is the easily the best zombie movie ever made, since it’s release it has consistently placed high in rankings of horror and cult films and is also on the New York Times list of 1000 best movies ever made. Although in the original cut of the film the music is credited to “THEGOBLINS and DARIOARGENTO”. Tis’ the same Goblin.
Suspiria from Suspiria soundtrack (1977)
Theme from Suspiria, which is also in the running for creepiest song ever written. That break half way through the song is disturbing, there are a ton of things happening and none of them seem to make any sense at all. That is the beauty of prog rock.
La Caccia from Dawn of the Dead soundtrack (1978)
Another classic from Dawn of The Dead, which was called Zombi in Europe. Roger Ebert called it one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Try arguing against that guy. Next time you watch the movie take a closer look around 31:00. Right when the team is landing at the mall and checking out the storage area. Something that The Avengers later reused.
Profundo Rosso from Deep Red soundtrack (1975)
Incredible rhythm section. I always felt like this record inspired Black Sabbath to take chances on those weird moments from Sabotage, which came out a few months after the theatrical release of Deep Red, there is no basis for that theory in reality, it’s just something I’ve always suspected. The film stars David Hemmings as a music teacher who investigates a series of murders performed by a mysterious figure wielding a hatchet. Sounds ripe for the pickin’ to be remade by ICP.
E Suono Rock from Il Fantastico Viaggio del Mark Soundtrack (1978)
Also appears on the Yell 7” EP. A great, weird symphonic masterpiece that changes about half way through into a wholly unexpected rock jam. Please keep in mind that 1978 was a very slow year in terms of BPM, everything on the radio was disco or California yacht rock. This probably sounded like Napalm Death to kids.
Sighs from Suspiria soundtrack (1977)
Insane and super creepy, which is exactly what Goblin and Argento ordered.
Zaratozom from Zombi Soundtrack (1978)
Goblin pioneered the fusion of rock into orchestral soundtrack work, the willingness to experiment with ambient sounds and rock guitars is ultimately what allowed them to progress as musicians and as formal composers.
Aquaman from Roller LP (1976)
Another early gem. This song also appears on the Suspiria soundtrack, and I always sort of liked that version better, although this Canadian LP version does sound pretty incredible.
Contamination from Contamination soundtrack (1980)
After 1978’s Patrick soundtrack, the group seemed hellbent on reinventing themselves using different techniques. One of those techniques was disco, which didn’t really pan out to well on record (or otherwise). Goblin certainly has a few clunkers in their back catalog, namely the “Squadra Antigangsters” soundtrack from 1979. It’s hard to imagine any band de-evolving into disco, but it happens. The one other technique that did work was moving the synth out in front of the guitars and bass, something that new wave embraced from it’s onset. Still haven’t seen this movie, looks super cheesy. Cool song though.
Tenebre from the Tenebre soundtrack (1982)
You might recognize this synth work, it’s been ripped off by several rappers and by Justice (the opening to Phantom on their Cross LP). This was basically the last flash of creativity by Goblin, in fact they were arguing so much during this recording session that they essentially broke up. The band members were each created separately on the sleeve, which makes no mention of Goblin formally. This is a great song (and a great movie) but all good things have to come to an end. The synth spelled doom for progressive rock, as a band they paired down and continued to make 2 or 3 more soundtracks before finally breaking up in 1983. They reformed in 1997 and continue to score movies and write original music.
