We're in the final stages of mixing the Nightscape concept album To Sin Against Our Mercies. Its 10 tracks of progressive hard rock and three dramatic interludes tell the story of an itinerant, nineteenth-century doctor who encounters a boy in communication with the dead. The music is in the vein of classic Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Rush. And if you happen to live in the Portland-area, you're cordially invited to be among the first to hear the album in its totality!
The official preview/listening party will take place at The Lovecraft Bar in SE Portland at 8:00 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 5. The record will be played through twice, so don't worry if you can't make it until later. The party will be promoted by the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival/ CthulhuCon, but you don't need to be a registered festival attendee to join in the fun. There's also no cover, so bring as many friends, relatives and fans as you'd like.
Based on my series of supernatural thrillers, the album features the melodic guitar stylings of Grammy-nominee Tony Gaglio and includes musical contributions from Vinny Appice (Dio), Mirabai Peart (Joanna Newsom’s band), Tobin Sprout (Guided by Voices) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion).
You'll have a chance to meet the band and pick up a variety of Nightscape swag, including t-shirts, posters and books (including the soon-to-be published Nightscape Double Feature No. 1). Take note of the art accompanying this post. It's only part of the fabulous painting by Argentine surrealist and long-time Nightscape contributor Santiago Caruso. The posters and tees with this artwork are bound to be fan faves!
And if you pre-order the album you'll receive a free PDF copy of the upcoming action-horror tie-in novel, The Alchemist & Azriel. Oh, wait, I haven't announced that yet, have I? Well, it's about a group of Americans shipwrecked in the Solomon Islands taken prisoner by the head of an illegal gold mining operation. It's already about 60% complete and will be published sometime in the second quarter of 2017. Look for a more formal announcement soon.
In the meantime, make plans to attend the concept album preview/listening party, or if you're unable to attend, look for the debut of the album's Bandcamp page on September 12. At that point, you'll be able to stream the single, "(Living in) Sacred Time" and pre-order the record.