Released in 2021, Paura (Italian for "Fear") is a spellbinding compilation that unearths the chilling and eclectic sonic world of Italian horror and exploitation cinema from the 1970s and '80s. Curated from the legendary CAM Sugar archive—the historic Italian film music library—this collection showcases the work of iconic maestros and obscure geniuses alike. It serves as both a perfect entry point and a deep dive for fans of genre soundtracks, capturing the essence of an era where giallo thrillers, zombie flicks, and demonic possession films were scored with audacious creativity, blending haunting melodies, psychedelic rock, avant-garde electronics, and jarring dissonance.
This compilation stands out for its impeccable curation, focusing on rare, previously hard-to-find cues and library music from the CAM vaults, rather than just well-known main themes. It highlights the incredible diversity within the genre, from the lush, romantic horror of Bruno Nicolai to the proto-industrial electronics of later composers. The album is a direct portal to the analogue recording studios of Rome, celebrating the unique and influential "sound" of Italian genre cinema that has inspired generations of musicians and filmmakers.
Archival Treasure Trove: Features rare tracks and library music cues from the prestigious CAM Sugar archive, many of which are notoriously difficult to find on official releases.
Composer Royalty: Includes essential works by giants like Ennio Morricone, Bruno Nicolai, Stelvio Cipriani, and Riz Ortolani, alongside lesser-known but equally fascinating figures.
Genre-Bending Sound: Exemplifies the unique Italian approach to horror scoring, which freely mixes orchestral grandeur, funky grooves, psychedelic rock (featuring Goblin), eerie electronics, and jarring atonal sounds.
Perfectly Curated Flow: The track sequence is expertly programmed to create a compelling and atmospheric listening experience from start to finish, mirroring the suspense of a film.
Historical Document: Acts as an invaluable survey of a specific, wildly creative period in film music history, showcasing the work of composers operating at the peak of their craft.
Definitive Packaging: The release is renowned for its striking artwork that perfectly captures the vintage pulp aesthetic of the genre.
Atmospheric Mastery: Creates an immersive, cinematic atmosphere perfect for focused listening, creative work, or as a backdrop to a dark and stormy night.
Discovery & Obsession: A gateway drug for soundtrack enthusiasts, filled with obscure gems and jaw-dropping moments that will send you down a rabbit hole of discovery.
Cool Factor: Possesses immense cultural and aesthetic cachet, appealing to fans of horror, vinyl collectors, DJs, and anyone with a taste for the beautifully macabre.
Superior Sound Quality: Tracks have been carefully transferred and mastered from the original archive tapes, offering the best possible sound for these rare pieces.
Ennio Morricone – Mio Caro Assassino (2:14)
Bruno Nicolai – La Notte Che Evelyn Usci Dalla Tomba (Long Version) (3:44)
Bruno Nicolai – La Dama Rossa Uccide Sette Volte (Edit) (2:10)
Stelvio Cipriani – Tribal Shake (1:41)
Stelvio Cipriani – Il Sesso Del Diavolo (Finale) (2:51)
Stelvio Cipriani – Deviation (2:12)
Riz Ortolani – L'Etrusco Uccide Ancora (Titoli) (2:59)
Daniele Patucchi – Giallo In Tensione (2:06)
Ennio Morricone – Ansimando (1:51)
Manuel De Sica – Black Dream (1:20)
Paolo Gatti, Alfonso Zenga – Cerro Torre (1:30)
Umberto Pisano – Greta (3:46)
Sante Maria Romitelli – Bambola Sensuale (2:34)
Adolfo Waitzman – Languidamente (2:24)
Nico Fidenco – Il Demonio In Convento (1:38)
Ettore De Carolis – Flavour Of Death (1:42)
Marcello Giombini – Un Gioco Per Eveline - M11 (1:20)
Carlo Maria Cordio – Absurd (4:18)
Stelvio Cipriani – Devil Dance (Performer: Goblin) (1:20)
Daniele Patucchi – E Tanta Paura - M2 (2:19)
Marcello Giombini – Orinoco: Prigioniere Del Sesso (0:32)
Franco Micalizzi – Bargain With The Devil #3 (2:53)
Stefano Liberati – The Prophecy (Vers. A) (1:47)
Luigi Ceccarelli – Walking Through The Shadows (4:44)
Daniele Patucchi – Minaccia Sulla Città (7:15)
Format: CD, Compilation
Number of Discs: 1