Reminiscent Progressive Rock Reincarnated

The iconic Italian progressive rock band, Goblin, has always been known for their soundtrack work. Frequently collaborating with Italian film director and producer Dario Argento, Goblin produced scores to two prominent horror films of the ’70s, Profondo Rosso and Suspiria. Despite success, membership turnover within Goblin has been high in the past 40 years and the band exists currently in a few separate incarnations. One of which is Goblin Rebirth, who released a self-titled album on June 30.

Goblin Rebirth is composed of Fabio Pignatelli (bass), Agostino Marangolo (drums), Aidan Zammit (keyboards), Giacomo Anselmi (guitars) and Danilo Cherni (keyboards). Pignatelli and Marangolo are members in the original Goblin lineup and have since been a staple in almost all of the Goblin incarnations, while the rest are relatively new faces. Although the roster is different, Pignattelli wrote and produced the album, engendering what is sure to enthuse original Goblin fans.

Goblin Rebirth, though slightly brighter than its parental unit, is still rooted in a progressive synth-rock, teaming with filmic horror themes that Goblin is renowned for. Goblin Rebirth is composed as if it were soundtrack to a movie. The compositions paint cinematic soundscapes while words are few and far in-between.

The album begins with the dreamy, almost menacing sounds of bells and strings as the opening track “Requiem For X” presents itself. Tension builds as the track erupts into a thick electric guitar solo. “Back in ‘74”, as the title suggests, is reminiscent of the sinister progressive rock of the ‘70s, complete with reverb-soaked guitar riffs, classical piano and synthesizers. A darker highlight of the album is “Evil in the Machine,” complete with a groovy, fast-paced bass line and heavy guitar hooks. A pixilated voice of a demon-possessed technology chants ominously, “Evil in the machine / Demonized and humanized they’ll sanctify your soul.”

When comparing Goblin Rebirth with it’s progenitor, one might suggest that without lead composer Claudio Simonetti and lead guitarist Massimo Morante, two original Goblin members that are absent in the new incarnation, Goblin Rebirth cannot achieve the heights of it’s predecessor. Yet after approaching the compilation, it is clear that Pignatelli is an ample driving force in the composing of a Goblin Rebirth album.