Lesiman – High Tension Vol. 1 (1973, LP, Italy)

Tracklist:
A1 Cupa Atmosfera 3:25
A2 Ricognizione Sulle Macerie 2:25
A3 Sbarramento 2:40
A4 Cammino Incerto 2:42
A5 Confine 2:30
A6 Incubo Di Prigionia 2:55
B1 Reticolato 2:33
B2 Elenco Dei Superstiti 2:10
B3 Integrazione 1:50
B4 Insidia 2:18
B5 Restless 1:28
B6 Ricatto Continuo 1:50
B7 Panico 3:40

Directed By – Lesiman
Music By – Lesiman

As the inaugural record of the series, Lesiman's High Tension Vol. 1 (1973) is a foundational document of Italian library music's darker side. Composed by Paolo Renosto with additional input from collaborators like Romolo Grano, Sandro Brugnolini, and Guido Baggiani, this album is a must-have "holy grail" for collectors.

This volume immediately establishes the defining mood of the series: anxious, often suffocating atmospheres crafted for use in film and television to underscore dramatic or oppressive scenes. The overall style is highly evocative, blending elements of experimental music with dark, hypnotic rhythms.

Tracks like "Cupa Atmosfera" (Gloomy Atmosphere) and "Ricognizione Sulle Macerie" (Reconnaissance on the Ruins) perfectly illustrate the album's focus on war themes, military action, and urban decay, utilizing sparse instrumentation, foreboding percussion, and ominous sound textures. Vol. 1 is less groovy than later entries and more relentlessly intense, serving as a masterclass in musical dread.