Credit: Publicity
Tue 19 May 2026 16:10, UK
Horror master John Carpenter has announced a new audio and visual project named Cathedral, which promises to be an immersive experience.
Although the project is not a new movie, with Carpenter’s last stint in the director’s chair being with The Ward in 2010, Cathedral represents a new chapter in the acclaimed filmmaker and musician’s career, bridging new and unfettered ground.
The basis of Cathedral comes with the release of Carpenter’s first-ever graphic novel, alongside an accompanying soundtrack in which every track matches up with a chapter of the book, being described as a “fully immersive” experience.
Set for release on August 4th, Cathedral is set within an abandoned church in downtown Los Angeles, where, according to the press release, “After the killing of a police officer draws attention to the long-ignored cathedral, Lieutenant Christine Marks and detectives Paul Hernandez and Steve Mayfield are pulled into an investigation that leads them deep into its catacombs and toward a centuries-old evil imprisoned within.”
For the accompanying soundtrack, Carpenter is joined by his bandmates Cody Carpenter on synths and Daniel Davis on guitars, with the song ‘Lord of the Underground’ having been released as a preview single with animated visuals from the graphic novel.
In a statement released along with the announcement of the news on May 19th, Carpenter said the sonic aspect of the project came “first and foremost”, adding, “It’s all about making the music work. This is somewhat different sounding stuff that we’ve done, but it’s done with the same desire in mind.”
He continued: “In other words, put this thing on and imagine you’re watching a movie. That’s what we want you to do.”
As much as Carpenter has not ventured into the filmic realm for the past 15 years, he has been much more musically active in that time, with the fourth instalment of his Lost Themes collection arriving in 2024, followed by a 10th anniversary edition of the first instalment last year.
The Cathedral graphic novel is set for release on August 4th via Storm King Comics, while the album will be released three days later, on August 7th, by Sacred Bones Records.
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