As a musican myself, I have always been fairly critical of instrumental music which attempts to convey a dark atmosphere, as many composers seem to fall short of achieving the desired effect. Nox Arcana is different. Clearly at the top of their game, they consistently deliver spine-tingling themes, producing high quality concept albums that could only be the result of both passion and deep musical knowledge.
Brad Parsk, Percussionist
Alaska, USA, Jan 22, 2012
I am totally delighted. After a year of searching, I now realize how easy it is to have acces to a fantastic artist. I have enjoyed Nox Arcana for years and Joseph's Gothic Tarot deck is superb. I collect as well as consult. This is a favorite.
Blessed Be,
Jacki Gaddie, Jan 12, 2012
I find myself at a loss of words, After obtaining the newest masterpiece from Nox Arcana, The Dark Tower. I must thank you all very much for adding such an amazing album to the unearthly collection of haunting and gothic music I have grown to cherish for nearly a decade. The Dark Tower will not be leaving my cd player for a VERY long time. Thank you very much!
Todd Carpenter, Nov 23, 2011
I am an absolute admirer of your work. It is the quintessential Halloween "special event" music, and no one gets people more in the mood than you geniuses!
Keep up the incredible work!
Sincerely,
Thomas G., Nov 10, 2011
You guys are the best man. Just totally awesome. No music producer or maker is as cool as you guys. It's like every track on your cd tells a story when the fan listens to it! My favorite is Blackthorn Asylum. Man that's awesome. Just love every track on it, but my favs are "Dementia 13","Frenzy" and the electroshock clip including the voice telling us about the patients in the mental asylum. Blackthorn Asylum is just perfect for Halloween, and I really hope you guys have a good one!
Bekki, Oct 29, 2011
Hello Joseph,
Last night I was finally able to give your new "Dark Tower" album the time and attention that it deserves.
Where to begin? How about…….. Incredible!
I
am usually drawn to one or two tracks on all of your albums and on this one "Undying Love" and "King of Fools" are the two that demand my attention, but the entire album from start to finish is just wonderful. Your talent as both a composer and an arranger is truly showcased here. The complexity level at which the instruments and vocals are layered is simply amazing to me.
Arthur C. Clarke once said, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," and last night as I listened to your work on "The Dark Tower", this phrase kept creeping into my mind. With many musicians your senses know that the artist is using sampling and electronics in place of the actual instrument. This is something I have never experienced while listening to any of your compositions. I never get the sense of hearing a sample or a patch that I have heard somewhere else. Your sound is truly unique to you.
When I listen to tracks like "Crimson Thirst", "Vesper Tolls" or "The Dark Tower" the image I see in my mind is not that of a single musician in a studio surrounded by a wall of electronics, rather, I see a living landscape. I see an abandoned Monastery. I see a moonlit landscape. When I hear your pipe organ playing, I see a Gothic Cathedral with a full pipe organ at one end—In other words, I don’t see the performer, I see the story.
I can only imagine how much time and effort it must have taken for you to create this album, but please realize that your musical talent and abilities are truly appreciated. You are as close to the definition of a "Renaissance Man" as any person I have ever encountered. Thanks for doing what you do.
Sincerely,
Jeff, Oct 14, 2011
I love the music that you guys make! I use it so much when I run my Ravenloft campaigns, the music fits perfectly with the Gothic horror style that I run my games on. Your music can be used in any setting the players come across, thanks for making this beautiful music!
Lena Mae - Oct 20, 2011
Dear Nox Arcana
I am absolutely a huge fan of your work! I feel your music defines me as a person, it portrays my feelings and emotions in ways that words never could especially Shadow of the Raven. The music you create is just absolutely stunning and beautiful and its just so dark and chilling it feels like it grabs my soul. I never heard anything like it before. It gives me the goosebumps! Every time I hear it I can't believe my ears its just that amazing! I've listened to every single album and I still can't get enough. I'm sooo glad your albums are like 20 or more songs each not the normal 10-13 because it satisfies my need for the music so much better :D so don't ever stop doing that. I hope you have taken the time to read my letter, I hope you guys never stop making such wonderful music! You stole my heart! :)
Feanaro Arcamenel, Oct 18, 2011
Have to say your Cd's are amazing. I listen to them year around not just during the Halloween season. The music is beautiful especially your Winter's Knight with some Gregorian chant in the mix. Very ethereal. I was even married on Halloween so am a serious spooky individual that hopes you keep rolling out the music and books as well. My husband is a heavy metal guitarist like some of your musicians. Knowing what goes into making music I am always in awe when I hear talent like you have amassed for your CD's. You guys rock!!!!!!
Jody Wenzel
Dark Tower received! Joseph Vargo you are brilliant — love your music and artwork. I have all your CDs and your postcards are clipped to my bulletin board.
Thank you again,
Rachel H. - Oct 6, 2011
You guys seriously have some of the best dark instrumental music out there! The first album I heard was Winter's Eve, about two years ago. Since then I've bought every album on iTunes and I can't wait until The Dark Tower comes out! I listen to your music whenever I paint, it really does help to set the mood. Even though I have all the albums digitally I hope I can buy all the physical copies one day! I can't go a day without hearing a few songs off of the Transylvania album, which is one of my favorites. I hope you both keep making music for a long time!
Marie Jung - Sept 25, 2011
Even though I'm new to your music I love it!!! I wish I had come across it years and years ago! I'm a Halloween freak! I love forward to Halloween ALL year! And your music is the BEST!! It does wonders for my haunt!!!! I bought Carnival of Lost Souls and listened to every bit of it. It's so great! Every year my garage is transformed into my Halloween Haunt and Nox Arcana is definitely the best music for it! I intend to buy two more this year, now that I see you have so many.
Thank You so much!
Melanie - August 7, 2011
Darkest greetings,
Thanx so much for making the music u create... it's blissfully dark & divine. U soooo get a 10 from me :D
Morticia
"Music is what feelings sound like." You guys express yourselves through your music and I must say...such an honor to feel what you feel. Calming, Relaxing, Dark, Mysterious, keep up your work.
Thank you,
Zach Farhat - July 28, 2011
Thank you so much for creating the music that you do. It is inspiring and magicaL and absolutely beautiful.
Joseph Matusik - July 25, 2011
Your music is just awesome. Never thought I'd be listening this type of music, but I just can't get enough. Can't wait for the next release.
Micah - July 17, 2011
I just wanted to say Thank you for creating beautiful music that inspires the hearts and minds of so many, including myself. I hope to hear more music in the future from your band. Peace and hope all is well.
MimikNVisions - June 13, 2011
I love this music. It's what I've been hunting for over the past few years. Having reached the conclusion that film music was more attractive than many other forms these days I first came across Necronomicon and was hooked. I'd enjoyed music by Luca Turilli and Rhapsody but by the time I'd heard a few more Nox Arcana albums I knew where my musical tastes were better served. I've now got most of the Nox Arcana, the latest being Blackthorn Asylum. I'm buying them in any order and they all conjour up images that feed the imagination. Listen to the albums is like creating your own mental movie. It's all very evocative. I hope there will be plenty more to come.
Best wishes,
Mr. Kim Lay, Brightlingsea UK - June 1, 2011
Just wanted to say I've been a fan of your music for a long time! Keep up the good work. Your haunting music seems to weave a surreal dreamworld for me no matter where or when I listen to it. :) Hope to see you come out with more music soon!
Best regards,
Katie - February 7, 2011
Earlier today, I received my orders, Winter's Knight and Winter's Eve. I live in Canada and am amazed at how fast they arrived. I would like to thank you so much for the CDs and the extra Theater of Illusion poster and Nox Arcana postal cards! The artwork on the postal cards are stunning, I have decided to put them in picture frames and keep them! I now have Winter's Knight, Winter's Eve and Transylvania. The music is great and I will be buying more CDs from you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tyler - Jan 31, 2011
Hi guys. Greetings from Turkey! My name is Uğur and I am very big fan of yours. I just want to say that the music you make is unique and brilliant. I listen to every type of music, specially Finnish metal bands, but Nox Arcana is very different and gorgeus for me. I listen to you guys when I read Edgar Allan Poe, I listen when writing poems, I listen when writing gothic horror stories. I'm studing at University of Kocaeli and my department is Cinema and Television. I will be a movie director and I really want to work with you guys in movie project. Please don't stop making this dark, unique, prurient, inspirational music.
Good luck and good work for you!
Uğur Kilinc - January 29, 2011
Hello. I just want to say I'm so glad I can listen to your music. I find there in your songs so much melancholy beauty, a dream world like the world in my mind.
Greetings from Poland,
Jacob Merihim V'ampire - Jan 16, 2011
Hi! I just wanna say two things: First, you are the best band on the planet! Second, please don't stop to make your beautiful music! I beg you!
Best Regards.
Francisco Vargas, Portugal - Nov 16, 2010
I was introduced to your music this Halloween. I love instrumentals and this is great to listen to especially when I study. Also your cds are not as expensive as I thought they would be. I like Winters Eve, Winter's Knight and Transylvania best. I am putting them on my Christmas list this year. Keep up the good work.
Ann Melman - Nov 14, 2010
I just wanted to thank you for making such lovely music. Your music brings me peace. I cannot thank you enough.
Gratefully,
Lynette Murray - Nov 9, 2010
Your music is a muse to me. I have been listening to your music since I read about you in Dark Realms magazine back in about 2004. As a huge fan of horror in general, particularly Lovecraft, your CD based on Lovecraft's works was all the convincing I needed that I should go buy some of your CDs. I'm very much into art, particularly pencil drawings, costume design and performing arts and I listen to your music as my inspiration. Your Carnival of Lost Souls album alone inspired a good portion of my choreography, personal costume designs and horror type sketches.
Recently I was cast as an asylum inmate and I think the only reason I did such a good job at it was that I literally had Blackthorn Asylum playing on my headphones every night. I fell asleep to "Shock Treatment" literally every evening for a full month and it paid off very well,
Your music is absolutely beautiful and it really is a great thing for someone like me who wants to actually have some ambiance during a daily stroll through the local cemetery or really needs something that is deeply evocative and inspiring melodically to get creative inspiration flowing. Really, I'm sure you've heard this sort of thing before but I just wanted very much to let you know how much I love your music and how deeply it inspires me in my own arts. Also, it adds an even greater level of ambiance when reading Poe or Lovecraft, it actually made my grandmother smile when I played Shadow of the Raven while reading to her from her favorite collection of Edgar Allen Poe's works on Halloween. Thank you for creating such wonderfully vivid pieces and appealing to those of us with a darker side to our imaginations. The emotions your music evokes are strong and very conducive to creativity and that is an amazing thing that I greatly admire.
Magdalene Daae - Nov 2, 2010
Dear gentlemen,
Since discovering Nox Arcana, I believe I can quite safely say that I have found my dream band. I encountered you for the first time slightly over a year ago (not long after Blackthorn Asylum came out). I think the first song I heard was "Lullaby," or possibly "Labyrinth of Dreams"—in any case, I was instantly enthralled and would spend hours on end on YouTube listening to various songs of yours. Come Halloween that year, I went to a store and bought all of your albums that they carried—Darklore Manor, Necronomicon, Transylvania, and Carnival of Lost Souls. I keep these albums playing in my room almost 24/7—I leave them running when I am not home so I can walk back in to hear them playing; I sleep to them. The music is so dark, so romantic, so sinister, and above all, so soothing. Your themes are wonderfully diverse, yet you capture every theme of every album perfectly in a beautiful and uniquely dark manner, and the variety of song tones within
each individual album is simply lovely. My favorite individual songs are far, far too numerous to list. I might very tentatively say that my favorite albums are Carnival of Lost Souls, Grimm Tales, and Shadow of the Raven, but
as I adore every album for different reasons, I don't for a moment believe I can accurately choose a favorite and so you may as well disregard that statement.
I must also congratulate you on the high level of sophistication you have brought to the Gothic music genre—I thrive on good music, and I have always had a passion for the darkly classy. Before I discovered you, I was having quite a bit of difficulty finding such a band to fit my tastes. As a young, spawning Goth, I simply could not seem to find anything remotely fitting until I ran across Nox Arcana—and finally, I had found a band that was dark, driving, and creepy, yet romantic, beautiful, and very sophisticated. Thank you for doing justice to the Gothic realm of music. (Also, Mr. Vargo, your art is absolutely divine.) I spread the word about you everywhere I can to anyone who will hear me. I am very choosy about my music, and it is not often that I get truly enthused about a band. Nox Arcana is the exception. Every piece you have produced to date, be it grandly orchestral, sparse piano, or simple sound effects, has been absolutely brilliant and I cannot get
enough. I practically live on your website hoping for more—if
you have just released an album, I can still be found on your news page every single day, looking for tidings of your next project. That said, I hope with all my being that you continue to produce album after album until you are claimed by the grave, and after. I hope to hit the Halloween store today and see if I can obtain more of your albums, and I plan to order all those that I do not yet own at the soonest possible date. I could continue to heap accolades on you for pages, but as I've already written a virtual essay (apologies for that) I will stop here. In short, all the work that both of you gentlemen do is genuis, and may you always keep it up. Thank you for everything, and, of course, I wish you both a joyous and terrifying Halloween.
Best and darkest regards always,
Jordan Shouey - Oct 31, 2010 (Happy Halloween)
I love Nox Arcana's music. Last year I discovered their music and now I own five of their cds. Their music is especially awesome for our Halloween parties and I now try to build a halloween theme around one of their CDs. This year it is based around Phantom of the High Seas and for next year we are considering Carnival of Lost Souls. Our friends can't wait for this year's party.
Cheers,
Ken Barbalace - Oct 21, 2010
I just wanted to send a quick thank you note for sponsoring the Nox Arcana CD give away on John's blog, Season of Shadows. The cd Blackthorn Asylum was great and the goodie packaging that John shipped it in really made my Halloween. I loved the CD so much I just placed an order for the Transylvania album, figured it would be the perfect addition to the vampire gypsy camp theme I've got spinning around in my head. Keep up the great work! Thanks again.
Your new fan,
Jacob Sinacola - Oct 18, 2010
Hello I just want to send a little fan-mail to the epic
musicmakers. I adore your music. The first I heard from you, was Winter's
Knight, and it got me hooked almost instantly. Now, I can't stop hearing
your incredible music. It's spellbinding down to the bones. Congrats on that
:) Brilliant music, and I hope you're gonna keep it up for as long as possible.
Maja - Sept 25, 2010
Hello Nox Arcana, I love your music. In 2004 I was in New
York and bought the cd Darklore Manor. And now I love your music. It's cool
gothic music. I hope you make more cds so I can listen to them.
Marcel Gesthuizen,
Holland - August 14, 2010
Ah, your music is simply wonderful... I've written several
poems in honor of your songs. Simply enchanting, beautiful in so many ways.
I simply cannot stop listening to your tunes. Your new album, Theatre
of Illusion, is a great piece of work. I could not stop listening to "The
Swords of Kali." I would have to say that so far Winter's Eve, Shadow
of the Raven, and Blackthorn Asylum are my favorite albums so far,
though I have yet to listen to more. The first song I've listened to by you
was "Labyrinth
of Dreams." I simply loved it.
Bartimaeus - Aug 9, 2010
Hey, I love the music, keep it up! Nox Arcana is actually
one of my favorite bands now since I found out about you guys. I didn't think
that I'd actually get into that genre of music. I was actually looking up
a death metal band called Necronomicon and I came across your album and checked
it out. I loved your music ever since and made it up to one of my favorites.
It's very inspirational and dark. It flows amazing with the book that I'm
writing too. If I had to say, my favorite album is Blood of the Dragon,
though my favorite songs are Gothic Sanctum, The Raven, Shadow Forest, Frenzy,
and Steeds of Thunder.
Alex Schmidt, July 27, 2010
Dear Nox Arcana. Having three of your CDs as of current and hoping to complete
my collection sometime in the future, I must first say that it is a very
pleasant surprise to find an exceedingly skilled group of artists who play
music in the realm of American Gothic and fantasy soundtrack. Indeed, I've
been working on being able to base an entire adventure/series around the Blood
of the Dragon lyrics/music. Your music and playing is exceptional. Your
songs are inspiring (both dreams dark and dreams fantastic) and your understanding
of your musical subjects always inspire. You have truly
become my favorite group.
Thank you, William
Eakins, July 23, 2010
Hey Guys. I've recently rediscovered
Nox Arcana and love this musical art. The mythos that you've carved out using
both the visual as well as musical mediums is exceptional. This is the type
of work that deserves unflinching support. I proudly own and display your
musical catalogue. Thank you, and much success in your endeavours.
Gustavo De Beauville, July 12, 2010
Dear Nox Arcana. I can't put into words just how much I love your music.
It's inspiring, deep, and utterly beautiful. Some of my best writing has
come from having your music on in the background for hours and hours on end!
I've been spamming so many of my friends with this music because it's just
so, so wonderful! You guys are stunningly talented, and I am beyond glad
I've found you! My only regret is that I can't come and see you if you perform
live since I'm stranded in the UK. No matter; I will just keep enjoying the
site and the music. Keep up the amazing work guys. You make a lot of us
fans very happy ^_^
Regards, Heather, July 1, 2010
Hey guys! I'm a huge lover of
Nox Arcana. You're amazing, Its not my usual style of music, but when I was
searching for music for a short film I was doing as a project, I stumbled
across "Shadows Fall" and ever since I've
been hooked, Your music is just like I've never heard, Only in dreams! My
mates were all astonished when I told them I was listening to you guys cos
normally I would very rarely stray from classic rock, But for music this
good I stray from the path of all that is good :D lol. Well done guys and
keep composing, You're legends of the current era,
Moe Kanz, May 21, 2010
GAWD, I love you guys! I came upon your song "First Snow", and
it sounded interesting, so I clicked on the link. I LOVED IT. That was the
first of your songs that I adored, and I've come to love so many others between
now and then. I cannot WAIT for your new album to come out, summer just will
NOT come fast enough.
Liv Hudson, Apr 2, 2010
I'm just a 15 year old male who loves your music. It always calms me down
when nothing else can and inspires my own artwork. Your music is the most
soothing, eerie, as well as relaxing I've ever heard in my lifetime. Thank
you, and keep on making great music.
Ed Arri, Mar 27, 2010
I recently purchased your book for piano, and I must say that it is very
nice and I am more than satisfied with it. It is helping me become more proficient
at piano, and I enjoy playing your music to my best capabilities (because
I'm nowhere near as good as you guys). I look forward to Volume 2, and hopefully
there will be some pipe organ arrangements in it, such as my favorite song
by Nox Arcana, "Masque of the Red Death." I remain a faithful follower
of your beautiful and inspiring music. I can't wait for Theater of Illusion. It will be amazing, I know.
Darkly Everafter,
Bronson Clark, Mar 11, 2010
Greetings, I would like to first simply say what an amazing job you do with
your music. It is truly wonderful. Thanks for what you do and please
keep up the great work.
Sincerely,
Lance Hoagland, Feb 3, 2010
I greatly admire your craft. I listen to your
tracks repeatedly and I find Transylvania, Grimm Tales, and Winter's
Eve to be the most potent of your works (I particularly commune with
"Pax Terra" and "Labyrinth of Dreams"). I also find beauty in your illustrated
works. Thank you for your incredible works of stirring art.
Ian Kendrick, Jan 23, 2010
Dear Joseph Vargo, I hope deep down
you realize how AMAZINGLY TALENTED YOU ARE and how you and the
music of Nox Arcana touches people in wonderful ways. I've enjoyed
every album and listen to each of them often and in my humble
opinion, your latest release Winter's Eve is a genuine
masterpiece. Your abilty to write melodies that can stir emotions
of such beautiful complexity is a gift to all of us, your deeply
appreciative fans. I listen to Winter's Eve so often
that my wife is beginning to tease me. In fact, as I write this "Season
of Wonder" (one of my favorite pieces) is playing in the background.
Hats off to you, William, Christine, Jeff, and everyone involved
in creating music that I believe stands the test of time. Thanks
for your gift this season.
Happy holidays!!!
Ron Ruiz, Dec 23, 2009
Greetings, I was recently introduced to your music and, at the age of 54, I
find it some of the most enchanting and magickal that I have heard.
It's beautiful, haunting and technically excellent as well. Being
a lover of toccatas and Gregorian music, as well as a lifelong
reader and lover of Poe, Lovecraft and etc., I love the way your
albums follow a theme.
Brilliant work boys, continue please!
Valarie Anne MacB, Dec 30, 2009
I found a few of your cds online while looking at the Spirit Halloween
store. I listened to one of the clips and could not believe what
I was hearing! I promptly listened to all of the clips available
for each of the cds. Afterward I showed them to my boyfriend and
he loved them too. We both now own Phantoms of the High Seas and
are planning to buy more. I even had my mother listen
to the cd and she couldn't get enough of the songs either! I can't
wait for you to come out with more cds!
~on the edge of her seat for more,
Sarah Rauterkus, Dec 15, 2009
I discovered your music with a friend and I immediatly loved it;
it was just what I was searching for. I love it, and have toI tell
you thanks a lot for this!
Liu, Nov 29, 2009
I could all too easily write an entire essay on how incredible Nox
Arcana is, so I'll attempt to be as brief as possible. First and
most importantly, the music is euphoric. I proudly own all of the
CDs (except for Zombie Influx which I will soon buy) and I
have to admit, they are all amazing. There is not a single track
on any of the CDs that I don't love, nor is there a single musical
note not perfectly placed. Also, I find the names of the tracks to
be noteworthy, they are especially creative and appropriately named.
The spectacle doesn't end there. The artwork and the lengthy detailed
descriptions that are included with each CD sets the scene for the
entire CD that is of a caliber matching that of the music. As if
the relentless magnificence isn't enough, each CD only costs 10 dollars.
A price that is a blatant steal! Nox Arcana is my favorite musical
group.
Dax Juaquin Maness, Nov 9, 2009
We've just had the pleasure of adding one of your magnificent CDs
to our Halloween sounds and music collection. I cannot even begin
to tell you how impressed I am with your work. We managed to buy
a copy of Phantoms of the High Seas and
your music was the perfect haunting accompniment to our pirate themed display.
Your music is wonderfully etherial and haunting, when words are spoken they don't
overpower the music but work to augment it and make it that much more haunting.
There is no doubt in my mind that we will most certainly be adding further CDs
of your work to our collection, and we are DEFINATELY looking forward to enjoying
them long past Halloween. I've also had a chance to look through some of the
various links on your site and have loved
the details and stories to go with your albums. I shall certainly be looking
forward to adding other albums to the collection and thank you for offering something
so much more substansial that serious lovers of a
good, meaningful fright have so longed for.
Cheers,
Stacey,
Twilight Productions, Nov 4, 2009
Hello there! What a wonderfull find! I was looking for some game
info when I came across your website. I was drawn in by how well
it was done. I then listened to four or five of your tracks and I
was hooked. I had never heard anything like it. I then ordered a
bunch of your CDs, the book and a shirt. I recieved the order yesterday
and I am very pleased with everything. My wife really likes your
music also. I will spread the word about your website and music.
Keep up the good work!!
With warm regards,
H. Hughes, Oct 21,2009
FREAK'IN WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!! excellent CD !!!!!!! Will be posting
on our Halloween forums about this AWESOME cd that needs to be in
anyones Halloween music library !! Can't say enough, and I am hard
to impress when it come to new music / effects CDs I add to my library.
I've always loved Nox Arcana's (Vargo's) CDs and I like the mix of
yours and his talents on this! Thanx again, best to all further music
ventures.
Mark, Oct 17, 2009
Heard about you on The Midnight Podcast - this sounded fantastic. I actually pulled over car while listening to write down your web address. This will be best Halloween ever.
Awesome music! Keep it up! I just
bought Blood of the Dragon and I thought it was awesome!
Just the kind of music I was looking for whenever I'm on storytelling mode.
Thanks for your creativity.
Tavo, Oct 14, 2009
Dear Nox Arcana, First off may I say, BEAUTIFUL music! I love listening to
the haunting melodies that you compose, and they are often my first pick for
inspirational music when I work on my drawings or graphic designs! I look forward
to your new album Winter's Eve!
A Loyal Nox Fan,
Tiffany N., Sep 28, 2009
I love your work. Espero que sigan delitándonos
con su linda música por mucho tiempo más. Congratulations from the
frosts and beautiful territories of the south of Chile.
Beatriz, Sept 20, 2009
Hey there! A few years ago I emailed you thanking you for inspiring my halloween-iness...
I ended up making and running a haunted tour based on the Darklore Manor CD.
It was really awsome. I'm writing to tell you that once again you have
inspired me to do something nifty! I'm an anime fan, so naturally I've been
attempting to write a manga anime. I made a "soundtrack" on
youtube for my manga using a lot of your songs (because they are so
awsome of course). So thank you once again!!!
Your humble fan,
Emily, Aug 29, 2009
I'd like to say thanks for the wonderful music. I stumbled upon
the band with the album Transylvania which was playing inside
a Spirit Halloween outlet. I purchased it and Darklore Manor at
the same time and I've been hooked ever
since. I have amassed the entire catalog of Nox Arcana CDs and
I always look forward to the news of each latest release. Speaking
of which, I forsee an even greater holiday season with the next album Winter's Eve. Can't wait!!!!!! My thanks for your courteous
and speedy reply to my question.
I remain a loyal fan!!!!
Ron Ruiz, Aug 28, 2009
To say that you both are an inspiration would be a vast understatement.
Your albums honor my collection and the album art graces my walls.
Thanks to you, I have re-developed a passionate love for the works
of Poe, Lovecraft, and other writers of their ilk. Most ambient groups
can't really make the shift as well as you do, I think. If most other
bands tried to make an album completely unlike their other ones, it
would be a thing to stay away from. But with you guys, it seems that
you're able to make the shift well with some of your songs, because
even if they sound different than your usual work, there are subtle
similarities.
Thanks for being my musical idols.
Sevastian Ochev, Aug 22, 2009
Hi guys, I just want to say that I love Blackthorn Asylum. It is probably
your darkest album to date. I'm absolutely addicted to the songs "When Darkness Falls," "Solitary Confinement" and "Spiders In The Attic." My absolute favorite is "When Darkness Falls." It's
so dreamy, so creepy! This music is going to freak people out at Halloween
time. I can't wait! And I can't wait for your next offering. Whatever it is,
I'm sure it's going to be great as usual. Keep knockin' 'em dead!
Kevin, Detroit - Aug 18, 2009
I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much I am enjoying your music. A friend introduced me to a few of your selections about a week ago, and since that time I've gone mad and bought several albums. Your music is pure genius... I've been looking for music that inspires my own dark muse and yours definitely fits the mold. Thank you for creating such beautiful music for listeners to enjoy. I look forward to buying your albums for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Devyn Quinn - Aug 1, 2009
Hello! I was just browsing on Amazon when I stumbled upon your music. I have to say after listening to some sample tracks I was BLOWN AWAY! I instantly ordered 6 of your CDs and can't wait to get them in the mail. They gave me delightful chills and thrills up and down my spine! I will listen to these CDs year round! Keep up the Great Work, and I have to say that it is we, your fans, who are the one's that are truly rewarded.
Your new found Fan and Friend,
Shane Luck -July 30, 2009
I had written before in praise of Carnival of Lost Souls, but having just listened to Blackthorn Asylum it's hard to decide! Last night I lit a couple of candles and just sat in the darkness allowing your haunting melodies to wash away my stress. Thank you for such incredibly wonderful listening experiences.
Linda K. - July 29, 2009
Blackthorn Asylumis absolutely amazing! It sent chills down my spine, and the story was captured so well within each and every track... great job!
Alan - July 1, 2009
I was waiting for Blackthorn Asylum since months, and finally it's released!
Only three words: great job, guys! Congratulations for the tale about the asylum
and the songs, expecially "Fade to black" and "Dementia 13".
I really can't understand how can you invent all these awesome themes for your
works, you're genius!
I wanted to ask you if you've ever thought about having a concert abroad, it would be great...
With love,
Elise - Jun 23, 2009
Greetings Great Ones! I am your biggest fan! Not many people would expect a teen to like such wonderful and such beautiful music. Teens around me always listen to rap or hip-hop, but nothing can ever compare to the excellent music pieces that are created from the greatest band in the world!!!!!!!!!! My favorite album is Carnival of Lost Souls! It is such a wonderful masterpiece! Your band inspires my self confidence and motivates me at times when life gets hard for me. My ipod needs charging all the time because I listen to your music all day! Regular music doesn't compare to the darkly beautiful pieces of excellent composition! All of the somber beats, melodies and tones fit my lifestyle and my ear candy! Every time I hear your music it gets me so pumped (or, at times, really thinking!) Thank you for all the music you two produce! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!! I cannot wait for Blackthorn Asylum!!!
Kevin James - Jun 3, 2009
I really adore your music - I don't even remember how I stumbled upon it, but
MAN. Love at first listen. I've even gotten my boyfriend and his D&D-loving
nerd friends listening to Blood of the Dragon and Grimm Tales — both
are great for their games! I'm utterly in love with Carnival of Lost Souls and Phantoms of the High Seas — great themes in both! My only kvetch is that there isn't a longer version of "Spellbound" as it is on track 9 - I love the scratchy Victrola effect! As much as I like the rock version, it doesn't hold a candle to the haunting feel of the old-timey version. Had there been a full version of the original track, I'd have probably used that for my wedding — it's
so perfect! Anyway, I'm excited to hear about your new album, too, and I'm
looking forward to laying my hands on a copy at the end of June! Keep it up,
guys, you're awesome!
Stormy, VA - Jun 2, 2009
You guys are awesome! I just wanted to express my love for your music and artwork, it's so incredible inspiring, beautiful, mysterious and fascinating. Words obviously can't describe all the fantastic mental realms created by these pieces of art. But it's truly brilliant, it takes me into another dimension, away from the stressful and monotone everyday life, you guys make my life a lot richer, keep up the good work, I really appreciate it!
Kind regards, Herman Flaaten - May 16, 2009
Your songbook, Music From the Shadows, arrived a couple of days ago,
and I am so happy! This book is really, really, great, and the songs are not
too difficult for even beginners to learn. And it's so great to finally be
able to play my favorite songs by your band. I love "Nevermore" and
I can't wait to learn the entire song. Great job!
Alan - May 3, 2009
I love your sound. I would so love to see a DVD consisting only of your music and haunting imagery. Just considder it.
Elbert Householder - May 2, 2009
I'd just like to say I've found the perfect way to read - accompanied by your music. When I read I find any clear words within earshot completely off-putting and I can't concentrate at all, so now I just put my earphones in, turn the volume up to full, and begin listening to your music. Now I can read for hours on end without fear of distraction and sometimes, just by chance, a random track will be picked from my playlist which will really fit the book, chapter, or page I'm reading and it will make the whole experience so much better. Thanks for your music.
Michael Walker - Apr 20, 2009
Ran across your music for the first time and I'm ashamed to say that I've never heard it before. When you hear GREAT new music for the first time you don't expect that it comes from your home state. I was floored when I saw that you're based out of Ohio. Just wanted to say hello and how much I enjoy listening to your compositions... they are AMAZING!
Theron - Apr 14, 2009
I cannot say how awsome it is that you go through this sort of dedication for your fans. There are so many bands out there that just don't care what they do and yet they still expect everyone to like them. I wonder how many emails you must get in a day and how much time you devote to answering them, on top of all the other band related items and your artworks. The point that you make this time for your fans shows just how much more you care what they think and feel about your endevours and makes us all the more involved and richer. You should both take a great sense of pride and accomplishment in your commitment to your band, fans, and yourselves.
I take a great sense of pride knowing that you
both are working as dilligently as you do to make us all smile. Have a truely
excellent week.
Thank you both.
Druid - Apr 8, 2009
As a writer who likes to try her hand at horror, I find nothing sets the mood better than music geared towards that theme. My first purchase has been the album Grimm Tales. My first thought was, my God, they're fabulous. I look forward to purchasing more albums from Nox Arcana and I am very happy that I have found a band that produces beautiful and haunting music. Thank you!
Kyia Star - Mar 26, 2009
I've never heard such fascinating and charming music ... it makes literary and lost worlds real, as poets couldn't have done either. I love Blood of the Dragon for its medieval sound, Transylvania as
a special musical aspect of Stoker's novel ("Grande Masquearde" has
left me breathless), Grimm Tales for its magical and fairytale worlds, and Necronomicon... I would never have thought that someone could give birth to Lovecraft's cycle.
Congratulations!
Giacomo, from Italy - Feb 14, 2009
Nox Arcanna has fast replaced Steppenwolf as my favorite band. I first bought Winter's
Knight, and Darklore Manor and was simply dumbfounded to hear the
music that floods my mind everyday on a CD. I have since added Transylvannia,
Necronomicon, Carnival of Lost Souls, and now Shadow of the Raven. With
each new cd I am more and more in love with the music. In an age of cookie cutter
music and radio garbage where nothing has any real meaning or feeling, finding
music as emerced in emotion, meaning, and imagery was a dream come true. The
concepts, illusions, emotions, and imagery of Nox Arcanna portrayed through their
cds is intense and uncomparable to anything else I have heard. I have used the
cds each halloween when I set up my displays and goodies. Your melodic and period
music helps add a very heady macabre feel to the already creepy layout I present.
Please keep 'em coming.
A devoted fan,
Sean Beever, Canada - Feb 9, 2009
Hello from a fan to the best group ever. I wanted to tell you that here in France
we listen to you. You're so fantastic. You love your work and we see it. Each
new album is a new adventure. It is really a pleasure to follow the knight into
an epic quest, or visit a haunted house, or to cross the seas with a death crue...
Really, we (me and all my friends) are waiting for your new cd.
Adrien, the angel without wings - Jan 26, 2009
My wife ordered me your Legend of Darklore Manor book and
cd combo for my birthday. I have just started reading and so far
I have not been disappointed. My only question is this, have you
ever given any thought to writing any stories based on some of your
other albums? In my opinion Carnival of Lost Souls would
make a great story if it were further expanded on. Whatever you guys
do please keep up the awesome work, I check your page frequently
to see what new horrific adventures you have for your fans.
Blane - Jan 14, 2009
Hey guys, I just wanted to praise you for such good music over the
years. I'm impressed by your ability to tell stories and capture
certain themes musically, especially the haunted carnival, Dracula/Transylvania,
and Poe themes. I
have five of your albums and all are great. I think Grimm Tales is
one of your best. My personal favorite is Carnival of Lost Souls. I
listen to your albums year round because they go beyond just being
for Halloween. They
are perfect for putting me in a certain mood that inspires and untaps my creative
self. I look forward to your next album, Blackthorn Asylum. Keep the
albums coming, I'm sure to buy them!
Kevin, Detroit MI - Jan 12, 2009
Hi guys! I want to tell you that your music is just wonderful, it's
fantastic!! I've listened to Nox Arcana since this summer and I've always thought
you're the best... Your music is really particular and so much different than
all the other genres of music. I think your best albums are Carnival of Lost
Souls, Grimm Tales, Winter's Knight and Shadow of the Raven... they
are just fantastic!
From Italy with Love, Elisabetta - Jan 11, 2009
Greetings and Salutations, I would like to take this time to say that I am one
of your biggest fans and I think that you have the most enchanted way of showing
your benevolence and ferocity in your writing as well as in your art. Each piece
and form of your art is so highly detailed and expertly crafted. It is so mystical
and captivating that it sometimes takes me to an imaginary realm of magic and
mythology that no mere fairy tale could have inspired.
Thank you!
Elizabeth Concepcion - Jan 8, 2009
I am a role player, and am putting on a Call of Cthulhu game for some friends.
I like to have music for the game, and you guys fit the bill perfectly!!! Keep
up the awesome work!
Don - Jan 7, 2009
I finally found the music I've been looking for. I have been looking
for music like this for quite some time, and I wanted to
say thank you for your beautiful, eerie and haunting music.
Sincerely,
Christine - Dec 10, 2008
I am 41 Years old and happily married and father of three kids I am very much
into the paranormal and creepy stuff. I just wanted to tell you that I Love your
music!!! It is the greatest I have heard in a long time. My wife really likes
it too, and I have told several of my ghosthunting friends about it also. Anyway,
I just wanted to say keep up the good work. Your music is Great !!!!!! I am also
going to ad you as a friend on My Space.
Thanks a lot.
Rich Myers - Dec 5, 2008
I thought I would take a second and thank you for all the hard work
you put into your albums. You guys do an outstanding job and I enjoy listening to your
work all year round. Not just on Halloween ;)
Keep up
the great work.
Alan - Nov 20, 2008
Heard some of the music you have done at a horror themed party that I went to
and what can I say but wow, the tone and darkness set the mood. I have always
liked carnival inspired music and you have pulled it off,
Keep up the good work!
Gavin Swift - Nov 12, 2008
Phantoms of the High Seas came today, and I have to say it's
extremely beautiful! The song "Pirates" sends chills down
my spine. It's so symphonic... and the brass in every song really
ties everything together and makes it so dark and powerful... you've
definitely outdone yourselves!
Alan, Gray ME - Oct 20, 2008
Just wanted to drop a line, and say how much I love your work. After a trip
through your website, I made a point of picking up every CD. Everyone
I've played it for loves it (my mother LOVES the Carnival of Lost Souls CD),
and I'm looking forward to the High Seas album. I love music that
inspires imagination, and this is right up my alley. As a musician myself, I
try and pull inspiration from any source I can. You've given me tons of
ideas. Thanks a lot.
Jason Ward - Oct 17, 2008
Dear Dark Friends, Thanks for your latest CD. The sea and
its mystersies provide ample opportunity for your music. Somehow
this genre never gets exhausted. Presently I possess eight of your
CDs. Phantoms makes number nine. Your
orchestrations with the penchant for the minor key, ostinato rhythms,
and effective use of the pedal works perfectly. The occasional tubular
chime with its minor overtones adds a "spiritual" twist not to mention the "ghostly
choruses." Please continue your efforts in this most important medium. The
artwork by Joseph Vargo both in the literature and the jewel cases remains outstanding. Thank
you both for your artistry and talent.
Sincerely,
Vince Malatesta - Oct 17, 2008
To All Who Have Made Nox Arcana a Success: Long have souls been trying
to find that darkness that is actualized in only a select few. Your music is
a rare beauty filled with sweet dark melodies that awaken that part of some
people that has been lying in patient wait for what seems an eternity... until
happenstance and more than a little Fate guides them to that fountain... This is exactly
what I have been thirsting for. Thank you for conceptualizing
and producing it.
Karla R. Villarreal - Oct 9, 2008
I want to thank you for your music. It's beautiful. No, beautiful is too little
and inadequate of a word to describe it. It's absolutely entrancingly gorgeous.
The soft, haunting tunes from your Grimm Tales album are my
favorites, though I adore all of your music. You guys have quickly,
over the past year, become my favorite of all musicians. I always
had a vivid imagination to begin with, but when I listen to the beautiful
works of art you guys have made and close my eyes it's like i'm in
another world. A dark place of macabre fairy tales and horrors untold.
I adore it all. I hope you two continue to make music for a very,
very long time.
Best Wishes,
Keesha C. - Oct 5, 2008
Hello, i just wanted to write in. I love your work. I think the ideas you bring
to music are just great and really all of your stuff is a work of art. Not just
because it's Halloween time but because there is a bigger picture behind what
you do. Your tribute to Poe was a masterpiece. And I just picked up two other
cds tonight that I have been hunting for . Just wanted to show my support for
your art.
Absinthe cheers,
Kristoph from NJ - Sep 17, 2008
Greetings from France. I once wrote you an e-mail to congratulate you for your
great work on EA Poe's tribute Shadow of the Raven. I thanked you also
for Carnival of Lost Souls... it was the music I wanted since I was a
child, a dark ambient of bizarre circus. I was a fan since I discovered you,
when Necronomicon came out. You make the musical stories I
look forward to, Dracula, EA Poe, Carnival... you just make the soundtrack
I was expecting all my childhood, so I wanted to thank you very much.
I asked you if you were interested by ghost ships stories, sirens
and forbidden island with cursed treasure, and you answered me a
mystery "we are in fact very interested in pirates,
but our next work will be on the Brothers Grimm's Tales"...
and so it was. I was very pleased by this CD, maybe it was because
I felt it like a good complement to Winter's Knight melancholy and beauty... And a few months later, I
look to the news and... I discovered your next piece of art: Phantoms of the
High Seas! You can't imagine how happy I was to see that, it
was exactly what I was looking for. So, again, many thanks for
your work, it's amazing to hear exactly the sounds I had in my
head since my first readings of Poe, Lovercraft, Stevenson or Bradbury...
or even Jules Verne and his "Mysterious Island" or "le
Chateau des Carpathes" which can easily go with Transylvania.
Keep the good work!
Florent L - Sep 4, 2008
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your unequaled and outstanding
musical genius, your work has made this world all the richer. I hope to see more
such dark jewels of unrivaled splendor manifest as the years go by. a listener
forevermore
—a devoted follower - Sep 1, 2008
All of your works are masterpieces. They're so moody, beautiful, and symphonic,
and perfect background music for a long, rainy night. Though I have been known
to play them on sunny days as well. ;) I recently had an opportunity to go to
Baltimore and see the various Poe landmarks there. Shadow of the Raven was
my constant soundtrack! I even managed to turn a few people on to Nox Arcana.
There is nothing in the world quite like the music you make. Never stop, please!
Lydia - Aug 28, 2008
First off i want to say thanks again for providing me with the most
perfect mood music ever to be put on disc. I have to say that I cant contain my excitement
for the Phantoms of the High Seas disc... I really thank you guys for your hard
work that you put into every masterpiece you deliver. I cannot wait to see what
the future holds for you as an artist and us as the fans! Take
care guys!
Chad Jenkins - Aug 18, 2008
www.myspace.com/chudjenx
Your music is really great. I never hoped to find something as good as yours.
When I listen to your music it feels like it's sinking it's fangs inside my heart
and liquefying it. I'm really happy that I found such a great band as yours.
Keep up the good work.
Best wishes from Romania
Denis L - Aug 12, 2008
Your music gives me the heeby-geebies! Your music is hauntingly beautiful which
seems to sink into the subconscious and gnaw hungrily at the psyche. How freakin'
fantastic is that!?
Phillip De Blieck - Aug 8, 2008
Dear Dark Friends, Your latest album Grimm Tales arrived a few days ago
and I have played it several times. Thanks again for your continuation in this
genre. I especially enjoyed your employment of the wordless chorus and your greater
use of it in this cd. My congratulations to the Gregorian Shadow Choir as well
as to the rest of the musicians. Thanks to you also, Mr. Vargo, for signing my
copy of Tales From The Dark Tower. Your artwork remains supreme. Please
accept my gratitude for your work in this field. As an amateur writer myself
I find your music in the background a positive and contributive support as I
attempt to put my dark prose on paper.
Sincerely,
Vince Malatesta - Jun 18, 2008
I stumbled upon your music accidentally a little while ago, and ever since, I
have been in love with it. I think what you all are capable of is extraordinary
when it comes to music. I thank you for creating eerie, but alluring music that
so many people love. Continue the fantastic work until you drop dead ^^.
Brandi Weant - May 28, 2008
"until we drop dead." Ah, what a
sweet sentiment. Yes; that would be the plan.
Hello, I was introduced to your music by a friend of mine. The first
song that I listened to was "Darkness Immortal." I fell in love with you music
after that. My second favorite song is "Crystal Forest." Another
fascinating song. I love your music and graphics. Keep the CDs coming!
Within Darkness' Embrace,
Mike Sanchez, Merced, CA - May 26, 2008
Dear Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski,
I just want to say WOW! I knew Grimm Tales was going to be fantastic,
but you guys blew me away! It is stunning... beautiful compositions and wonderful
arrangements. I am addicted. I can't stop listening to it! And Joseph, the artwork
for the cover and booklet is beautiful as well. You are both very inspiring,
and I cannot wait to hear what you come up with in the future. Good luck and keep up the good work!
Alan Bennett - May 25, 2008
Just a note to let you guys know that I really love having Nox Arcana in Fall
from Heaven. I was really blown away by the music in Grimm Tales,
its my favorite CD so far. Keep up the great work!
Derek "Kael" Paxton - May 22, 2008
Got Grimm Tales last night and wanted to say I love it. So
easy to let it transport me to the shadow forest to hang out with the
sylvan spirits and night wraiths along the forgotten path and talk about
fairy tales and fables at twilight. Great stuff.
Mike - May 13, 2008
Dear Joseph and William,
I find your music amazing. About two months ago, I got Shadow of the Raven and Carnival
of Lost Souls. As a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, I found Shadow of the
Raven very fitting. I'm sure Edgar Allan Poe, were he alive,
would look up with his melancholy look on his face and say, "Music to my ears, just the
way I want." I listen to the CDs on the way to and from school.
I really enjoyed Carnival of Lost Souls, as well. I just pre-ordered Grimm Tales and Blood
of Angels, and, I cannot wait. Whenever I'm on the bus to and
from school, my friends are always curious about the music I listen
to. So I let them listen to it, and as soon as those headphones
were on their ears, their expressions changed dramatically. I found
myself reading an interview with Joseph and it said that you grew
up watching the 60's TV show "Dark Shadows." I grew
up watching the reruns with my mother. Also like Joseph, I am an
artist and got on the school art team and got honorable mention.
It was nice sending an email to a couple geniuses like yourselves.
I hope to meet you two someday.
Adrienne Gomez - Apr 27, 2008
I just wanted to write to you guys that you are amazing and I am a great fan
of yours. I had been to Salem this past summer and found your merchandise. I
had purchased the Gothic Tarot and two cds. Mind you I had been a fan
before that, which was why I purchased. I love Darklore Manor and was
surprised how accurate the Tarot deck is. My gf loves to use my cards lol. Not
to mention I am a great fan of Vargo's paintings. I just wanted you to know how
greatful I am.
Julie H - Apr 23, 2008
Hello! I was looking for songs for my wedding on iTunes and came
across you two. I immediately fell in love with your music and decided
I wanted your music to be part of my wedding. I was starting to get frustrated
with not finding the right sound that I was looking for, and was about
to give up when I heard your music. It was just what I was looking for!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talents with everyone!
Cherise - Apr 18, 2008
Dear Nox Arcana, Just want to say that Blood of Angels is an absolutely incredible
CD! I listen to it every Saturday morning going to work it
is my weekend treat. Thanx!
Steven J. Rolfes, Cincinnati OH - Jan 14, 2008
I managed to stumble upon your music at Amazon this evening, and WOW! This is
what I consider REAL goth music, and exactly what I've been looking for. It's
music very well done; your music is eerie, chilling, and spine tingling. What
I thought I was going to find when I first heard of and sought out Goth Music.
It's 'Gourmet Goth' - the kind of music that Goths listen to when they've finally
grown up... Very cool.
Lynn - Jan 11, 2008