When this arrived in my inbox, I was immediately excited, as I knew this was going to be an absolute delight, just like every other Cadabra release I had previously come across. Andrew Leman (H. P. LOVECRAFT Historical Society) has returned to play the part of the narrator, while the score is composed and wholly performed by Fabio Frizzi (Kill Bill, The Beyond, The City Of The Living Dead). He has utilized synthesizers, piano, violin, and even flute, along with a full orchestra, providing all the dramatic emphasis a story such as this requires. Cadabra have released some wonderful retelling of Lovecraft stories over the years, and when I first played this, I made sure it was a time when I was not going to be disturbed, and played it on headphones with my eye closed, watching the film behind my eyelids being generated by the words and music in my ears.

This is not the first time that Leman and Frizzi have collaborated on a Lovecraft story, with the Cadabra release ‘I Notturni Di Yuggoth’ another that showcases their understanding. They both have a passion for Lovecraft, and it drives them to produce something which is again very special indeed. This is not an audio book, nor is it a score, but rather it is a cinematic masterpiece for the mind. The words and music combine to create a feeling of foreboding as the tale continues, ensuring the listener is trapped in the tale with no hope at all of leaving, wondering what is going to happen to the narrator and what dark story is going to be laid bare for us to see. This is not something which can be played in the background, nor can it be dipped into, as there is just Side One and Side Two on this vinyl-only rendition. The result is yet again another wonderful dark work from Cadabra, and I eagerly await the next one.

Rating: 9/10

Track list:
1. The Festival (Side A)
2. The Festival (Side b)

Links:
https://cadabrarecords.com/