Faust (1926) with Live Accompaniment by The Silent Light

Experience Murnau’s 1926 silent fantasy horror masterpiece Faust like never before, reimagined with a blistering live metal score by The Silent Light. This is a cinematic ritual of chaos and sound will be performed one night only live at The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville on September 13th, 2025.

The Film
In this classic of silent cinema, the demon Mephisto (Emil Jannings) makes a bet with an archangel that a good man’s soul can be corrupted. Mephisto sets his sights on the thoughtful old alchemist Faust (Gösta Ekman), who is desperately trying to save his village from a plague. He is able to help the villagers, thanks to Mephisto, but further dealings with the devil lead Faust on a decadent downward spiral. Can he redeem his soul before it’s too late?

The Band
The Silent Light is a live film scoring project that performs original heavy metal soundtracks to classic silent films. Founded by composer and director Michael Formanski, the group reimagines iconic works like Metropolis, Faust, and A Page of Madness through immersive live performances that blend black metal, doom, and ambient soundscapes. The result is a visceral, cinematic experience that brings new intensity and emotional weight to century-old visuals.

Performances feature a powerful ensemble typically including guitar, drums, and synthesizers playing in sync with the film. Longtime collaborator Matt Hardy anchors the group’s rhythm section on drums, driving the dynamic shifts and ritualistic energy of each score. The Silent Light has built a growing following among fans of experimental film, underground metal, and dark fantasy, and their shows consistently draw passionate, attentive audiences.