A Musical Re-Imagining of "Herbert West: Reanimator"

The Electrolimes are an Italian band specializing in the "Electronica" genre of music, not unlike the popular German group Tangerine Dream. This atmospheric re-imagining of H.P. Lovecraft's "Herbert West: Reanimator" was done in an effort to capture the mood of the original story and translate it into sound. As a work well steeped in the ominous and the eerie, it comes off quite well. Electronic music seems to be one of those genres that lends itself to weird expressions very effectively when done right. While other bands have added lyrics to Lovecraft tales, it would likely prove campy in the case of "Reanimator"--a tale Lovecraft himself dismissed as borderline hack work. This piece keeps its focus with instrumental expressions, and it works.

Based on inspired renditions like this one by the Electrolimes, however, it's apparent that there's something in the story that continues to strike a chord with weird admirers today. And not just for the semi-comical laughs and self-mockery found in cult films like Stuart Gordon's "Reanimator." The odd imagery and melody cultivated by these musicians is centered deep within the philosophical cosmicism of Lovecraft, even if the title they've given this performance echoes a story less reflective of the finer points of the Providence author's strange oeuvre.



-Grim Blogger