Album Review - Ghost - Seven Inches Of Satanic Panic Single

On September 13, 2019 Swedish rock band Ghost released their highly anticipated single, Seven Inches Of Satanic Panic. The single consists of two brand new songs, Kiss The Go-Goat, and Mary On A Cross. Since these songs were performed by Papa Nihil in the 1960’s, The songs are very reminiscent of that time period.

The bands previous effort, Prequelle swaps out the Satanic theme for a more personal recording while still remaining a concept album about the Black Plague. This album features a few gems such as Dance Macabre, Witch Image, and Life Eternal. It is my opinion that this new single is very similar to songs from the bands first album, Opus Eponymous. The “Satanic” symbolism and lyrics work so well with the themed music. I’d say these are my favorite songs they’ve released since Meliora. As much as I love Prequelle, these songs just scream GHOST. Of the two songs my favorite is Mary On A Cross. It has that catchy, groovy beat that I absolutely love. I found myself putting it on repeat and memorizing the lyrics rather quickly. Kiss The Go-Goat is a great song as well, and even has its own music video.

Tobias Forge, singer and mastermind behind Ghost has stated that the band will be taking a break from touring in 2020 to focus on their next full length album which will debut in 2021. In the mean time, a limited edition box set entitled Prequelle Exaulted became available as of September 20, 2019. Only 5,000 copies were produced worldwide. This boxset includes a transparent black and orange vinyl record, Live Photo prints, a 12 page booklet, a 7” vinyl featuring previously unreleased recordings, and a 7” adapter. Ghost is currently embarking on a tour across North America in support of their 2018 album, Prequelle. I will be catching their live show in Worcester, MA on October 21, 2019.

Fantasia Film Festival - Riot Girls Review

It’s 1995 and school’s out forever. No more futures, no more rules. A mysterious disease has wiped out the adult population in Potter’s Bluff, and it’s the East side VS the Titans. Nat’s brother Jack (Alexandre Bourgeois, The New Romantic) gets captured by the Titans while out on a mission. It’s up to Nat (Madison Iseman, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle) and her best friend Scratch (Paloma Kwiatkowski, Percy Jackson Franchise) to save him.

Riot Girls has a pretty traditional plot. The rich kids VS the poor kids. This is a story we’ve seen time and time again throughout various decades. What makes this film rise above the rest is the writing, acting, character development, and the soundtrack. Most films that emulate a specific time period rely on music that was very popular in their respective decades. Instead of choosing more obvious choices like Green Day or No Doubt, they chose bands like Joan Jett, and L7. L7 is a female fronted grunge band that were part of the 90’s riot grrrl movement. Other Riot Grrrl bands include Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, and Babes In Toyland.

This film takes many different genres and smashes them together to make its own perfectly balanced hybrid. You’ve got the grrrl power movement, jocks with enlarged egos, gnarly death scenes, perfect comedic timing, and an unexpectedly bright ambiance. Riot Girls is such a refreshing film. It’s thoughtful but doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s something so raw and powerful about this film that it instantly makes you side with the underdog.

I give Riot Girls a 10/10. There’s nothing I would change about this film. The pacing and dialogue is fantastic. If you like teen dramas mixed with a killer soundtrack and some ultra violence I think you’ll enjoy this film. Riot Girls was featured at 2019’s Fantasia International Film Festival and is now playing in select theaters across North America.

Film Score Review - Sandro Di Stefano - Dolph Lundgren’s The Tracker

The 2019 Lionsgate film “The Tracker” starring Dolph Lundgren tells the story of Loke Hakansson, a family man who reluctantly travels to a remote Italian village with his wife and daughter. 15 Years after his family is kidnapped, Loke is contacted by a detected who claims to have new information about their disappearance.

I will be reviewing the films OTC which was composed by the brilliant Sandro Di Stefano and The Dnepropetrovsk Philharmonic Orchestra. Like his previous works this soundtrack is stunning. The talent by not only Sandro but the Orchestra themselves is impeccable.

One of the first things I noticed about the songs here is that the music is so different. There are so many unique style choices incorporated into each track. Instead of being overpowering it’s quite beautiful and very relaxing. When I listen to the music for a film I look for songs that are intriguing, captivating, but also capture the film through melody. I think these songs do this perfectly. They tell a story that can be enjoyed both on and off screen.

My favorite tracks from “The Tracker” Soundtrack are It’s Wasted Time, Welcome To Taranto, Albanians Attak, and The Playful Revenge. All of these are perfect examples of how to properly incorporate different sounds and melodies into music in order to capture the essence of the subject matter. Sandro has such a unique vision with each album he creates. I find it rather difficult to listen to soundtracks sometimes because the vision only works within the film. If I see Sandro’s name I know I’m going to be listening to something beautiful. I’m always in awe of his work. Please be sure to check out the film “The Tracker”, The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and the Dnepropetrovsk Philharmonic Orchestra. This OTC has 14 songs with a running time just shy of 35 minutes. It is now available through iTunes. I highly suggest you pick up a copy for yourself and or your loved ones.