The band's name Nox Arcana is derived from
two Latin words, which roughly translate to "mysteries of
the night." It is a great interest in ancient lore, gothic
literature and classic horror that unites these two composers,
Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski, in their neverending quest
into shadowy and dangerous realms.
Nox Arcana's haunting Gothic soundtracks are often used in independent films, in theme parks during Halloween, and for role-playing games. Their debut album, Darklore Manor, was featured as the musical score for a televised special of the 1922 silent film classic, Nosferatu, and has spawned a book of original horror stories, The Legend of Darklore Manor and Other Tales of Terror.
In keeping with their literary
interests, these masters of the macabre pay tribute to many of
their favorite authors. Their darkly seductive album, Transylvania, ventures
into the land of vampires ala Bram Stoker's Dracula. The
sinister Necronomicon is put to sound in Nox Arcana's
homage to H.P. Lovecraft. Their morbid and melancholy Shadow
of the Raven pays tribute to the great Edgar Allan Poe, and
their darkly enchanting Grimm Tales album brings the childhood
nightmares of the Brothers Grimm to life. Blackthorn Asylum explores
the horrors of a forsaken 19th century sanitarium with an original
storyline that expands upon Lovecraft's "From Beyond," and Theater
of Illusion conjures
a realm of mystery and dark magic.
But this band does not limit itself
to just the Halloween season; their gothic-Christmas release Winter's
Knight hit the
Billboard Top Ten Music Charts for Best Holiday Album of 2006
and 2007. Winter's Eve is the second in a planned trilogy
to celebrate
of the magic and wonder of the winter holidays. The medieval
battle epic, Blood
of the Dragon stormed
in at #4 on Amazon's New Age chart, and Phantoms
of the High Seas is a ghostly adventure steeped in pirate
lore that explores mysteries of the deep.
In addition to an extensive repertoire
of music, their concept albums feature Joseph Vargo's lavish
artwork, captivating original storylines and hidden riddles.
Be sure to check out The Arcanum which
offers entertaining information about Nox Arcana's favorite authors
and arcane subjects.
Joseph Vargo composer, founder and producer of Nox Arcana,
has produced 16 albums
to date, 12 Nox Arcana albums
plus 4 more albums with other recording artists. Vargo is also
an internationally acclaimed gothic fantasy artist and writer.
His artwork graces the covers of numerous magazines, books, and
cds. He began his own publishing company, Monolith Graphics,
in 1991, which is now a world leading producer of gothic and
dark-themed products. In 1998 and 1999, Vargo produced and directed
the gothic-themed albums, Born of the Night and Realm
of Shadows. In addition to music, Vargo has created various
artistic and literary projects including Tales from the Dark
Tower and The
Gothic Tarot. His artbook, Born of the Night: The Gothic
Fantasy Artwork of Joseph Vargo, features a collection
of over 100 paintings and illustrations from about 1988 to
2005. Vargo's latest book, The Legend of Darklore Manor
and Other Tales of Terror, contains 13 sinister stories
including the novella that chronicles the grim history of the
haunted mansion that inspired Nox Arcana's debut album.
William Piotrowski, composer and engineer for Nox Arcana,
began his professional music career at the early age of 15 when
he created the musical score for an independent production entitled
"Ghosts of Ohio," a video documentary about the original
"Ghost Whisperer," now a TV series on CBS. William
plays several instruments including guitar and keyboards, and
is well versed in digital recording technology. William's interests
in the realm of the supernatural are reflected in his dark, symphonic
compositions and his expertise as a studio engineer enables him
to bring Nox Arcana's artistic visions to life. William is currently attending Kent State University where he is studying art and music.
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