HP Lovecraft/Andrew Leman/Theologian - The Lurking Fear [Cadabra Records - 2016]Continuing their line of bringing H.P. Lovecraft stories to life, Cadabra issues their latest, The Lurking Fear. As with their previous releases, narration is handled by actor Andrew Leman, and the score is done by Theologian. The longest of their releases to date, Cadabra's version of 1922's "The Lurking Fear" captures the stark terror of H.P. Lovecraft through adept reading and ominous tones. And unnamed reporter/monster hunter travels to Tempest Mountain to investigate the attack of a colony of squatters by a strange beast in "The Lurking Fear." Massive thunderstorms plague the area, however, one particularly large storm hit and decimated the population. Knowing the outre and otherworldly, the narrator feels a strong connection between the events and the legendary Martense Mansion. He and his burly bodyguards set up in the murdered Jan Martense's room, and take extra precautions for safe escape should something attack. Unfortunately for the bodyguards, these precautions weren't enough. Seeing the shadow of a large, horrifying monster shakes our faithful narrator, but not enough to loosen his resolve. He befriends another reporter, Arthur Monroe, and the two begin to search for clues around the countryside. Despite the feeling of being watched, they travel on until yet another thunderstorm arrives and forces the men to seek shelter in an abandoned cabin. Striking with thunder as cover, the creature claims Arthur Monroe. Months pass, and our narrator finds himself again on Tempest Mountain to look further into the horrific beast(s), the story of the Martense Mansion, and the horror that spewed forth from within. (Anyone that has played the Call of Cthulhu RPG adventure, "The Warren," will be very familiar with this source material) Cadabra Records' newest and longest release, The Lurking Fear, captures all the horror and intensity of previous readings, and have added another, darker dimension with 50 minutes of Theologian's score. Lee's music adds a depth of depravity and isolation that makes the listener feel the lonely, lurking fear that resides atop Tempest Mountain. Score another victory for Cadabra, and act fast...there are only 300 of these for sale. Paul Casey
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