Cervovolante

 For those who love Thomas Ligotti, this issue of Zothique is simply unmissable.

 For the inclusion of the Death Poems alone, this issue of Zothique is, in my opinion, worth the purchase.

Zothique 13 offers an essential collection for Thomas Ligotti fans, including rare essays, a first Italian translation of Death Poems, and insightful interviews. The issue explores Ligotti’s literary influences, musical collaborations, and nihilistic themes. Critical contributions highlight his originality and impact on horror fiction. A must-have for those devoted to weird and horror literature. Explore Zothique 13 now to dive deep into Thomas Ligotti’s dark and fascinating world.

 The death diary is raw in its description of the symptoms that were progressively leading him to death.

 Maybe, if not for this, we wouldn’t have had the 'cosmic Edgar Allan Poe' (a felicitous definition by Jacques Bergier).

This biography offers rare documents detailing H.P. Lovecraft's youth and death. It presents his death diary with raw descriptions of his illness and explores his complex family background. The text dispels myths about his reclusiveness and highlights his rich social and literary network. Edited by Italian Lovecraft expert Pietro Guarriello, it includes essays shedding light on the origins of his unique cult universe. Dive into the intimate life and final days of H.P. Lovecraft and uncover the stories behind the cosmic horror legend.

 Ligotti is a sort of 'philosopher of horror' whose weird fiction conveys impulses and nightmares.

 The masterpiece of Noctuary is undoubtedly The Voice in the Bones, a macabre and dreamlike story symbolizing our putrescent universe.

Thomas Ligotti's Nottuario is a significant work in weird literature, blending horror with philosophy and personal obsessions. The book is structured into three parts, showcasing Ligotti’s unique voice and cosmic horror themes. Notable stories like 'The Voice in the Bones' exemplify the dreamlike, nightmarish quality that defines his style. This review praises Ligotti's complex narrative and suggests reading with the right mindset to fully appreciate his artistry. Dive into Thomas Ligotti's Nottuario to experience mind-bending horror and haunting philosophical reflections.

 Ritmico non Ritmico turns out to be a relaxing and anything but trivial listen.

 "Vortex a Jackson Pollock" is perhaps the most challenging and fascinating moment of this work.

Max Fuschetto returns after five years with Ritmico non Ritmico, a minimalist and atmospheric album centered on piano and strings. The work bridges music with painting, paying homage to artists like Paul Klee and Jackson Pollock. It invites listeners into a calm yet intellectually challenging experience, blending contemporary influences with refined compositional techniques. Overall, the album is accessible, mature, and evocative. Explore Max Fuschetto’s unique blend of minimalist avant-garde music and art-inspired compositions in Ritmico non Ritmico today!

 Blackwood was a master at creating atmospheres and for this, he was esteemed ... by H.P. Lovecraft who considered him, in the most intense moments, as the greatest weird writer.

 The effect created by Blackwood is hypnotic and phantasmagoric.

The review praises Algernon Blackwood as a pioneer of the weird tale, emphasizing his mastery of atmosphere and spiritual terror. It highlights his influence on Lovecraft and details the Egyptian-themed novella 'A Descent into Egypt.' The story’s hypnotic portrayal of ancient myths and character metamorphosis is commended, though it also notes some underappreciation of Blackwood’s work in Italy. Overall, the novella is recommended for its rich, mystical narrative. Dive into the mystical world of Algernon Blackwood and experience the haunting journey in A Descent into Egypt today!

 Among the stories that impressed me the most, I mention 'Dust You Were,' a very macabre tale where a small village celebrates funerals by burying people alive.

 Ultimately, we are faced with an author absolutely worth rediscovering for those who love a certain type of non-Anglo-Saxon fantastic literature.

This review highlights 'The Toad Cellar' by Thomas Owen as a seminal work in Belgian fantastic literature. It focuses on the terrifying and mysterious nature of Owen’s stories, emphasizing notable tales like 'Dust You Were,' 'The Disconsolate Presence,' and '15-12-38.' The review praises Owen’s unique use of symbolism, esoteric motifs, and eerie settings, encouraging readers to rediscover his influential work alongside Jean Ray. Overall, it positions Owen as a major figure in non-Anglo-Saxon fantastic fiction. Dive into Thomas Owen’s eerie tales and experience the uncanny side of Belgian fantastic literature today!

 Finally sees the light Shadows, the first album by the doom metal band ExpiatoriA.

 The voice of singer David Krieg is excellent and very intense, also the author of the dark-tinted lyrics that blend well with the overall mood of the work.

ExpiatoriA's first album Shadows marks a powerful debut in the doom metal scene, enriched by notable Italian metal artists and a mix of dark, gothic and prog influences. The album is praised for its intense vocals, original compositions, and atmospheric depth, appealing to fans of both heavy metal and dark progressive music. Listen to ExpiatoriA’s Shadows now on Bandcamp and dive into a rich world of doom and dark prog metal!

 Sabba can finally shine in all its dark and esoteric allure.

 Ultimately, we are faced with an essential album for collectors of Italian prog, a sort of missing link that rewrites history.

Sabba by Fiamma Dallo Spirito, recorded in 1975 and finally released in 2022, is a vital piece of Italian prog history. With strong ties to the occult and '70s horror culture, it delivers a dark and mystical listening experience. The album connects closely to works by Jacula and Antonius Rex, featuring both original tracks and reworked material. Its release fills a significant gap for collectors and lovers of vintage progressive rock. Explore the haunting depths of Sabba and experience a rare gem of Italian prog history today.

 Fortunately, there are bands like Strange Flowers that have not lost the ability to spread the psychedelic gospel.

 The style is, as always, rich in ‘60s influences, very varied, and manages to be engaging from the first listen.

The Strange Flowers’ ninth album Crossing A Wasteland reflects the band’s deep roots in the psychedelic and garage-punk scene of 1980s Italy. The album, crafted over two years, features meticulous arrangements and diverse ‘60s-inspired sounds. Tracks range from oriental-tinged psychedelia to acoustic folk ballads, offering a rich and cohesive listening experience. Released on vinyl and digital platforms, it continues the band’s legacy for fresh psychedelic music. Listen to The Strange Flowers’ Crossing A Wasteland on Bandcamp and explore their timeless psychedelic journey today!

 Aleister Crowley considered it a must-read for those wanting to delve into certain topics.

 Read today, The Garden of No. 19 still maintains its dark and sulfurous charm, a bit like certain stories by Aleister Crowley.

Edgar Jepson’s The Garden of No. 19 is a cult supernatural novel tied to early 20th-century occultism and famous esoteric figures like Aleister Crowley. The Italian edition by Dagon Press revives this atmospheric and dark story about a lawyer confronting ancient demonic forces in suburban London. While Jepson's style may fall short of his contemporaries Machen and Blackwood, the novel still delivers notable tension and charm. Included are additional horror stories and original illustrations, making it a valuable literary recovery. Explore The Garden of No. 19 and dive into a classic supernatural tale filled with occult mysteries and dark rituals.