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December 10, 2024


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The Haunted Church
Dark Matrix Composium (Self-Released)

By: Jett Black

Just in time for Halloween, Dave Castrati brings us into The Haunted Church. Imagine sounds from all the old, really old b-movie horror flicks ever played on television broadcasts by Elvira. The Haunted Church is b-movie horror-creep noise and harmonies. Thickly laden, deep and darkly taunting male vocals ooze with an impenetrable layer of fog rolling in from seaside marshes. You might even be surprised to learn that this music emanates from both haunted and hallowed ground local to Portland, Oregon. Dave Castrati pulls inspiration and influence from noise masters everywhere, old movie flicks, and gothic wonderland music kings such as Seraphim Shock, Trance to the Sun, and Cradle of Filth to produce (can I use the word Haunting again?) a chilling hour of music and sounds perfect for spinning this All Hallow's Eve. Recently, I caught the last few minutes of Dave Castrati's live performance of The Haunted Church in Vancouver, Washington. I've never seen more wires and diodes, and thinga-ma-bobs in my life! Rack upon rack upon rack of sound equipment and wires, and dials, and gizmos. And the theatrical components came with the 40 pounds of heavy velvet and other costumery, and that thick ghoulish death rock make-up, though no one could exude more grace, consideration and appreciation for his fans than Dave Castrati as, for more than half an hour after the show at Arnada Cafe, fans crowded up close to Dave and, one by one, to shake his hand, express their own appreciation and kind sentiments for his sweat and blood which pours into his performance. The first track, "Welcome" is actually a brief introduction based upon Anton Lavey's 1969 variation of this composition. And, the last real song track, entitled, "Laid in Earth" actually reflects a variation of music compsed by Henry Purcell in 1666. Followed next by an outtro, dedicating thanks and appreciation to influences upon Dave Castrati and The Haunted Church. The cover art is to-die-for perfection for this release, and the art is done by none other than PDX local Buko - www.buko.net Set the pumpkins ablaze! Deck yourself out with the finest dark and creepy threads, and turn on the music, and tune into The Haunted Chruch!
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