The Legend of Krampus 12 Inch Vinyl LP

A Haunting Winter Tale Captured on Limited Edition Vinyl

Limited to 750

This is a pre order release estimated to ship in late Q4 2025. The vinyl pictured are mockups and the final product may differ in appearance.

Across the snow covered mountains of Alpine Europe, long before electric lights touched the villages and towns, stories traveled by firelight. These tales were whispered during the deep cold nights of winter when the lines between the living and the unknown seemed thinner than usual. Among these ancient stories, none stirred the imagination or fear quite like the Legend of Krampus. A towering horned figure draped in chains and shadow, Krampus was believed to emerge in the darkest nights of December, stalking the paths between homes and woods. His arrival brought both warning and terror. Some said he punished the wicked. Others said he simply delighted in the fear he created.

This spoken word adaptation brings that chilling folklore to life through a powerful narrative written by Alicia Dunaway and performed by narrator Stephen Mashalidis. Crafted with the intention of honoring the roots of Alpine myth, the story takes listeners on a winter journey through lonely villages, snow drifting along rooftops, and lanterns glowing dimly against encroaching night. Dunaway weaves a tale that feels both ancient and immediate, as though the village storyteller has stepped into the room with you to recount a story too old to trace but too alive to forget.

Mashalidis delivers the performance with a careful balance of dread and wonder. His voice guides listeners through the icy dread of the tale, capturing the tension, anticipation, and steeped mythology surrounding Krampus. The pacing reflects the rhythm of stories told across generations: deliberate, lingering, and filled with that slow building unease that makes folklore irresistible.

A Premium Vinyl Experience Crafted for Horror and Folklore Enthusiasts

This exclusive single LP edition is pressed on a 180 gram variant titled Wreath of Wrath, an Evergreen Swirl base accented with Holly Berry Splatter. The design draws inspiration from old world winter traditions, evoking the evergreen wreaths placed on doors and the deep reds of midwinter festivals. Packaged in a heavyweight gatefold jacket with matte coating, the release offers a tactile and visually immersive experience worthy of collectors shelves.

Waxwork Records, known for producing high fidelity horror and soundtrack vinyl pressings, handles the production of this edition. Their experience ensures that the spoken word performance is captured with clarity, atmosphere, and depth, allowing listeners to feel the cold wind between sentences and the snap of branches in the distance. Spoken word on vinyl requires careful mastering to preserve vocal nuances, and this release is designed with that precision in mind.

Even though the artwork shown is a mockup, the final design will continue the dark folklore aesthetic, balancing historical inspiration with contemporary visual storytelling.

The Ancient Roots of Krampus

From Mountain Myth to Modern Icon

Krampus is one of the oldest surviving winter figures in European folklore. Originating mainly in Austria, Bavaria, and other Alpine regions, Krampus predates many modern holiday traditions. Linguists trace his name to the German word krampen, meaning claw. Early depictions show him as a horned, goat like creature covered in fur and carrying chains or birch branches.

For centuries, Krampus appeared during the Advent season as a counterpart to Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewarded children with gifts and kindness, Krampus represented consequence and discipline. Villagers told children that Krampus would appear on Krampusnacht, the night of December fifth, a time when shadows stretched further across snowy streets and the sound of bells could signal either celebration or fear.

Parades and festivals dedicated to Krampus still take place today, featuring elaborately costumed performers, carved wooden masks, and rituals passed down for generations. Despite his frightening appearance, Krampus embodies themes found in many winter myths: duality, moral lessons, and reminders that the world grows darker and colder before it warms again.

The Legend of Krampus presented on this vinyl draws from these historical traditions rather than modern reinterpretations. It explores the psychological and emotional landscape of winter days spent waiting for the unknown to pass by your door. Dunaway’s narrative taps into that timeless fear of footsteps in the snow and the belief that ancient beings still walk among us during the longest nights.

The Enduring Power of Spoken Word on Vinyl

Spoken word storytelling and vinyl share a long history. Before widespread home recording and digital media existed, records served as gateways to literature, poetry, radio dramas, and oral traditions. The crackle of a needle against vinyl adds character and presence to narration, making the listener feel as though they are sitting beside the storyteller.

Vinyl creates an intentional experience. You place the record on the turntable, lower the needle, and listen as the story unfolds at its own pace. A spoken word horror tale benefits greatly from this medium because silence, pacing, and vocal detail become essential elements of the performance.

This release aims to honor that legacy. The mastering prioritizes vocal warmth and clarity while maintaining the atmospheric tension needed to bring a folkloric horror tale to life. Each spin becomes an event, a winter ritual in itself.

A Winter Tale Made for Collectors and Fans of Dark Folklore

Whether this is your first introduction to Krampus or you have spent years fascinated by Alpine mythology, this vinyl offers a new perspective on one of winter’s most enduring figures. It serves as a piece of storytelling, a collector’s item, and a celebration of spoken word artistry.

The limited edition variant, the gatefold artwork, and the dedication to historical authenticity make this release a standout entry in the world of folklore inspired vinyl. Display it proudly, play it with the lights low, and experience an old world story reborn through modern craft.

Estimated shipping is late Q4 2025.

Details

• Full length LP featuring a dramatic reading of The Legend of Krampus
  
• Format 12 inch vinyl record
  
• Variant Wreath of Wrath Evergreen Swirl with Holly Berry Splatter
  
• Genre Spoken word and horror
  
• Edition Pre order estimated to ship Q4 2025
  
• Packaging Full color gatefold jacket with original cover art
• Limited to 750

Discover More Dark Holiday Lore & Collector Pieces

If the chilling folklore and narrative depth of this Legend of Krampus 12" vinyl LP resonates with you, dive deeper into the Raven’s Crypt Collector’s Edition Archive — a curated collection of horror-themed vinyl, VHS, and spoken-word releases. From atmospheric storytelling to limited-edition pressings that celebrate mythic fear and seasonal dread, the Archive connects you with related collectible editions you won’t find elsewhere.
Explore the full Collector’s Edition Archive here:
https://theravenscrypt.com/blogs/news/the-raven-s-crypt-collector-s-edition-archive-horror-vinyl-vhs-and-spoken-word-classics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this vinyl a pre order

Yes this release is a pre order. It is estimated to ship in late Q4 2025. Production and artwork will be finalized closer to release.

Will the final vinyl look exactly like the mockups

Mockups are provided for general appearance but the final pressing may vary slightly due to the nature of hand poured vinyl production.

Who is Krampus

Krampus is a figure from Alpine folklore known for appearing during winter festivals. He is depicted as a horned creature who punishes misbehavior, acting as a counterpart to Saint Nicholas.

Is this story based on traditional Krampus legends

Yes. The narrative draws from historical and cultural sources related to Alpine Krampus traditions rather than modern reinterpretations.

What makes this vinyl edition collectible

It is a limited edition 180 gram pressing with a unique color variant, premium gatefold packaging, and a spoken word performance not available in other formats.

Who narrates the story

The narration is performed by Stephen Mashalidis, whose atmospheric delivery is designed to capture the tone and cadence of folklore storytelling.

What is spoken word on vinyl like

Spoken word records offer a warm immersive experience where vocal nuance and pacing are emphasized. Many listeners find it ideal for horror tales and folklore.

What is the vinyl variant Wreath of Wrath

It is a custom Evergreen Swirl base with Holly Berry Splatter designed to reflect winter symbolism and the themes of Krampus mythology.

Will this release be restocked

At this time the edition is planned as a limited pressing. Once sold out it may not be reproduced.

Is this suitable to play with children present

The tone and themes reflect dark folklore. While not graphic, the atmosphere may be too intense for younger listeners. Parental discretion is recommended.