Goblin

Goblin is an Italian progressive rock band from Roma, Italy, active from 1972. The group is known especially for its soundtrack work and for its long association with film director Dario Argento.

Origins and early line-up

The band begins life as Cherry Five before adopting the name Goblin when it is called in to compose music for Profondo rosso. Its original members include Walter Martino, Maurizio Guarini, Massimo Morante, Fabio Pignatelli and Claudio Simonetti. The early sound draws on progressive rock influences such as Genesis and King Crimson.

Film soundtracks and key recordings

Goblin rewrites much of Giorgio Gaslini’s original score for Profondo rosso (1975), including the main theme, and the film and soundtrack become major successes. The band follows this with Roller, an instrumental progressive rock album, before working with Argento again on Suspiria (1977). That score is known for its experimental sound and unusual vocals.

Further releases include other film soundtracks and the concept album Il fantastico viaggio del bagarozzo Mark. The group also records the European version of George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead (1978). After more changes in personnel, the surviving members continue with soundtrack work, and some of the band reunite for Argento’s Tenebrae (1982), although they are credited separately rather than as Goblin.

Later activity and related names

Goblin reforms in 2000 to score Dario Argento’s thriller Non ho sonno, then records the soundtrack for La terza madre (The Mother of Tears) in 2007. The group also records under other names, including Il Reale Impero Britannico. Claudio Simonetti later forms his own band under the Goblin name and continues to tour material associated with the group.

Style

The band is associated with horror synth, progressive rock and symphonic prog, alongside its broader reputation as an Italian soundtrack group.