MR James — Casting the Runes

Starting off 2018 with a bang, Cadabra Records brings back the Bleak December crew for their fourth release with their adaptation of M.R. James' Casting the Runes. This time around, though, Anthony D.P. Mann and crew have a wonderful surprise in the addition of world renowned actor David Warner. Limited to 500 copies on 150-gram colored vinyl, Casting the Runes is another shining entry in Cadabra's stellar catalog.

M.R. James' Casting the Runes is a short horror story taken from his 1911 anthology, More Ghost Stories. Runes is a delightfully suspenseful tale of mystery, revenge, and alchemy, and hits home with critics about bashing the work of others. Anthony Mann takes on the role of Edward Dunning, the doomed journalist at whom the titular runes are cast, and David Warner lends his voice to Henry Harrington, Dunning's new found partner in crime. With wonderfully passionate voice acting on display, Cadabra's Casting the Runes flies by. A vivid romp through alchemy in the early twentieth century, Bleak December's portrayal draws the listener in and keeps him/her enthralled throughout.

Although getting their start with spoken word readings over creepy, experimental soundtracks, Cadabra has come a long way to bring their audioplays to life. Working with Bleak December and their talented crew was a smart decision on Cadabra's part, and horror fans are treated to wonderful renditions of classic stories. And, with Cadabra's hefty release schedule, fans are constantly delighted the whole year through.