Hey all - this week we have a bunch of new releases for you including the incredible CASTLEVANIA 3: DRACULA'S CURSE on Mondo and brand new releases from both Pye Corner Audio and Timothy Fife on Death Waltz Originals.
Also don't forget, the soundtrack to RAW is still available for Pre-Order (shipping sooner than expected!) as well as the digital release of THE DEVIL'S CANDY on all digital platforms.
As always, releases and restock go on sale on Wednesdays at NOON (CST).
MONDO
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse - Original Video Game Soundtrack 2XLP. Artwork by Sachin Teng. Two versions available. First version features two 180 Gram Split color LPs (Disc 1: Trevor Bronze and Alucard Black, Disc 2: Grant Maroon and Sypha Blue - Limited to 1,000 Copies). Second version is pressed on Translucent Orange with Grey and Black Splatter (Limited to 2,500 Copies). All copies feature BOTH the NES and FAMICOM versions of all 28 BGM tracks from the game spread across two 12" LPs. $30
Mondo is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the CASTLEVANIA franchise with the premiere vinyl release of the original soundtrack to the 1989 Famicom / Nintendo Entertainment System Three-quel / Prequel: DRACULA'S CURSE.
DRACULA'S CURSE is a dark horse for most beloved of the original NES / FAMICOM trilogy, as it was a happy marriage of the linear elements of the first CASTLEVANIA and the more exploratory elements of SIMON'S QUEST - a union that led to the introduction of multiple playable characters, multiple paths and multiple endings - that remain franchise staples even today. The story follows Trevor Belmont, Simon's ancestor and his battles with the prince of darkness, along side three other warriors: Grant Danasty the Pirate, Sypha Belnades the Mystic, and Alucard, Dracula's Son, who makes series debut here, and will play a more pivotal role in the games to come.
The soundtrack to DRACULA'S CURSE is important as well. Not only for fan favorite track 'Beginning,' a track you'd be nary to find excluded from any future CASTLEVANIA game, but for the dynamic audio introduced on the Japanese version of the game. The VRC6 Audio chip contained in the Japanese version allowed for a wider array of sound channels, producing a brighter, fuller soundtrack than on the cartridge released in the US. The Nintendo Entertainment System could not process this level of audio, so the version released in the US needed to have the audio scaled back. Despite this audio handicap the US version is still terrific, and the superiority of the which version best is still a matter of debate to this day. No need to choose though, since Mondo's vinyl re-issue contains both, spread across two 12" LPs, housed in a gatefold jacket featuring amazing new artwork by Sachin Teng.
DEATH WALTZ ORIGINALS
Pye Corner Audio - The Spiral. Original artwork by We Buy Your Kids. Double Gatefold 7". Limited to 1000. 500 Clear Red & Yellow vinyl / 500 Red & Yellow Swirl. $15
We’re thrilled to welcome Pye Corner Audio back to Death Waltz Originals with a stunning 7" double pack featuring six brand new, exclusive tracks featuring his trademark sci-fi electronica.
'Do You Hear Them' pulses with a dance floor verve you've not yet heard from PCA, bouncing along a killer 4/4 beat with a super melodic bass riff on top. 'The Spiral' begins with a riff on the classic Axel F bass synth, and its super hyped drums and refrain could be placed in any classic 80s action movie that you already love. The other tracks are more contemplative and will sound familiar to anyone that owns any of the PCA Black Mill Tapes series. This 7” double pack release is exclusive to Mondo and limited to 1000 units. There will be a 10” released to record stores in April.
Listen on Bandcamp here.
DEATH WALTZ ORIGINALS
Timothy Fife - Black Carbon. Original artwork by Eric Adrian Lee. SXSW Edition: Grey with White & Clear Grey splatter (100 copies only). Green & Grey split with Cherry Cola Splatters (500 only). $22
Three track solo album from Timothy Fife recommended for fans of Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and early Brian Eno. 'Sydney at Night' is a brooding dark synth monster as eerie as it is unsettling; 'Low Plain Landscape' is a hauntingly beautiful 13 minute ambient workout; and rounding out the LP is 'Black Carbon' itself, an intense hard-edged synth track that bubbles with intensity and heavily processed voices that sounds like an alien radio broadcast.
Timothy carries over his work as one half of Victims to really shine as a solo artist in his own right, offering up a multi-layered piece of work that requires multiple listens to understand just how complex yet understated it is. Comes complete with a download code for entire LP, plus the exclusive digital-only bonus track ‘Alebedesque’.
Listen on Bandcamp here.
DISTRIBUTED TITLES
We are thrilled be stocking the first releases on new UK imprint Burning Witches Records. Heavy horror synth vibes run throughout these two records, and they are insanely limited (only 250 each worldwide) so be quick!
DISTRIBUTED TITLES
BurningTapes - Blood Runs Dry. Hook-laden pulsing analogue synthesizers, ethereal guitars and hard drums create an electronic dark synth album inspired by the great and cheesy horror/Sci-Fi films of the 80s. Pressed on 180 Gram Black Vinyl. Released by Burning Witches Records. Limited to 250 Copies worldwide. $20
DISTRIBUTED TITLES
All of Them Witches - The Coven. Ambient and dark creeping synth delights. Synth pads abound on this release with the usual nods to Carpenter and synth scores of the '80s...but it also has a really playful side (listen to 'Music Box') that sets it apart. Pressed on 180 Gram Black Vinyl. Released by Burning Witches Records. Limited to 250 Copies worldwide. $20
