Nox Arcana
After performing in various rock bands throughout the years and producing several acclaimed cds for the Halloween industry, Joseph Vargo formed Nox Arcana in 2003 with fellow composer William Piotrowski. Nox Arcana specializes in dark and haunting soundtracks. In addition to composing and performing the music, Joseph also writes all of the narratives and lyrics and performs vocals for each cd. His work also includes conceptualizing each theme album, creating all the cover and interior artwork for the cd booklets and devising the perplexing puzzles hidden in each cd. Vargo's artistic vision makes every Nox Arcana album more than a great collection of music, creating a completely immersive atmosphere that is a treat for all the senses.
      Today, Nox Arcana is the top-selling album series for Halloween, and Vargo's influential sound and ominous voice resonates in almost every haunted house and theme park across the country. The gothic yuletide album, Winter's Knight hit #8 on the Billboard charts for Top Holiday Album of 2006, and again in 2007. The 2009 release Winter's Eve followed in this vein.
       Joseph Vargo has produced 18 albums to date, 13 for Nox Arcana, plus 5 more albums with other recording artists. He and William Piotrowski created the music for Blood of Angels in 2006, an album featuring vocals and lyrics by Michelle Belanger published under the Monolith label. In keeping with the insane pace that Vargo sets for all of his projects, the album was written and recorded in only 5 days. Michelle is a long-time friend, noted gothic author, and classical vocalist.
     Nox Arcana's releases Blackthorn Asylum, Winter's Eve and Theater of Illusion were written solely by Vargo, who also teamed up with Jeff Hartz of Buzz-works to co-write and produce two horror albums Zombie Influx and House of Nightmares.
      Nox Arcana's latest album, The Dark Tower, is a sinister symphony based on the popular book, Tales From The Dark Tower, and its sequel, Beyond The Dark Tower, continuing the saga of the vampire Lord Brom and his quest to solve the ancient mysteries of the accursed keep.