Chris Alexander - Music For Murder

If you're well into the underground horror scene and follow such exceptional sites such as FANGORIA, then you've probably heard the name Chris Alexander. He's a dedicated individual who has written thousands of articles as a critic, and has also served as that of an interviewer for dozens of horror film icons. Not only that, but as a filmaker, writer, director, and composer, he has made made the award winning "Blood For Irina" and it's sequel "Queen of Blood", as well as "Female Werewolf". 

However, much more interesting to us is his electronic music. His grim tunes have dazzled and stirred many listeners (including myself) both on and off stage. On stage he is known for his theatrical and gore-filled performances, while off stage he has scored films such as "The Devil's Mile" and "The Shutterbug Man". Most recently he has released his new LP "Music For Murder" via the always wonderful Giallo Disco Records on vinyl, CD, and digital formats. 

"Music For Murder" is a bloody, delicious slice of horror enthusiasm for a film that's meant to be played out in your head. 'Spasmo' is the song that starts the curse this album brings forth, intertwining reversed sounds with an industrial melody fitted for Halloween. 'Organ Grinder' would serve well as a classic theme song played as the intro credits rolled, while 'Don't Open The Window' just seems perfect for a suspenseful part of any film where a young teenager is being chased by a slasher. 

'Dark Secrets Of The Black Heart' is an ominous tune that uses a steady, but soft EBM beat as well as glitchy whispers and moans. 'Skin Too Tight' is a lovingly dark track that would most likely play out before one character or another would be gutted for investigating the wrong object at the wrong time. I loved the increasing ferocity of 'Poisoned' and its genetically post-punk sound. 'Night Drive' was another song I loved, even though it only lasted one minute and fourteen seconds. The gentle whispers and none too eager tone perfectly fit the title of the song. 'Trees With Teeth' is basically a cult classic horror track waiting to be discovered, and 'Inferno' is half a dark ambient mix, and half a blackened instrumental tune. Lastly, a very industrial sounding 'Trauma' hits us, which would fit a finale between the antagonist and protagonist just fine. The crunchy sounds and noises were especially satisfying, and made the ending of the album all the more sweet. 

Simply put, "Music For Murder" is an experiment in electronic music driven by an insane devotion to craft a horror film in each and every listener's head. Each story will come out differently, and each person will come forth with their own fears and horrors on what is "Music For Murder".
Dec 05 2015