“Coven is a 35-minute direct-market thriller film shot on 16mm black and white reversal. It’s an alcoholic, man, compelled to go to this group meeting by his one and only friend left. But they’re not that helpful, the group, you know?”
So goes the elevator pitch to Coven (pronounced “COE-ven”), the stopgap film Milwaukee director Mark Borchardt intends to use to finance his dream project, Northwestern, in the 1999 documentary American Movie. Unlike Northwestern, however, Coven was actually finished (American Movie follows the shooting and eventual release of the short film), and is still available for purchase on VHS. But for those horror and busted-kitchen-cabinet fans looking for the ultimate Coven keepsake, this one takes the cake: Now you can own the film’s original soundtrack. On vinyl.
Horror podcast Forever Midnight is behind the release of the Coven soundtrack, which was originally scored by Milwaukee musician Patrick Nettesheim. Per Forever Midnight:
“Patrick Nettesheim’s score is a brooding assortment of dreamlike synths, overdriven guitars, pounding drums and wailing choirs, all run through a charming and creepy home-recorded filter. From the opening, ominous bending bass hits to the final slow-dancing pianos, this thoughtful soundtrack conjures images of dilapidated scarecrows, haunted drive-ins and black-robed fiends—a perfect compliment to Coven‘s stark black and white imagery and harrowing themes.”
Goodies in the deluxe release include hand-painted album art, liner notes from Borchardt and Nettesheim, a hand-drawn poster, and a digital download of the entire album. The first 500 LPs also come with a digital download of the film itself, along with a page from Coven‘s screenplay.
The Coven soundtrack sees its official release April 22, though you can pre-order a copy now. It sure beats sucking down peppermint schnapps and trying to call Morocco at two in the morning, man.