5 of the Best Horror Soundtracks
Horror films are forever paired with some of the scariest sounds in cinema. Whether it's the gutsy sound effects from the likes of 'The Evil Dead' or anything that came out of the Giallo era or the chilling calling sounds of some of horrors most iconic characters, one thing is for sure, no movie would have the same effect without its soundtrack.
As much a star to a good film as its leading star, the soundtrack can be the make and break of a movie. Building up the tension, setting the era or pacing an unnerving tone, the following are 5 of the best for the genre.
Halloween
John Carpenter’s synths are recognizable throughout his early films. There is no denying that they defined an era but with 1978’s ‘Halloween’, he managed to create one the seasons most terrifying soundtracks. The running theme throughout the movie has become eponymous with the character and plays as big a part to the horror as Michael does. Carpenters signature can be seen all over the series and even extends to the likes of ‘Escape from New York’ and ‘The Thing’ where an appearance from Myers would not feel out of place.
The Guest
The Guest may have only hit cinemas a mere month ago but already is causing waves thanks to its pulsating soundtrack. Not only influenced by the 80’s thrillers that came before in tone but also in sound. Wingard’s movie which has been quoted as a mix between ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Terminator’ isn’t a million miles away as its electronic soundtrack and slasher elements culminate to. Standout songs from Love and Rockets (Haunted When the Minutes Drag) and slow groove Because I Love You (The Postman Song) by Stevie B just add to an already impressive score and collective of electric tunes.
Under the Skin
Within the first few minutes, ‘Under the Skin’ will literally get under your skin with a very unnerving soundtrack from Mica Levi. Much like the film, the score evolves from an alien haunting creature to a warmth of humanity that is quite simply the most chilling thing you will hear this year. Song titles such as Love, Death, Lonely Void and Alien Loop so easily associate the film to its music but also is such an otherworldly experience that questionably makes the film as powerful as it does. Like echoes of raindrops with chilling screams, this is certainly not an album to listen to with the lights off.
Insidious
Joseph Bishara has carved his way through the horror genre to score some of the most terrifying films of the last decade. ‘Dark Skies’, ‘The Conjuring’ and ’11-11-11’ are but a few of his masterful scores but his terrifying screeches throughout ‘Insidious’ are the highlight of his career so far. Take away Bishara’s work and ‘Insidious’ would be nothing more than a cosy walk in the park. How would the woman in black stay in nightmares without the screech of violins or the tension of the further without the pitter-patter of bells and pipes. However it is the inclusion of Tiny Tim’s ‘Tiptoes Through the Tulips’ which will keep you from a good night’s sleep.
The Blair Witch Project 2: The Book of Shadows
The Blair Witch Project was quite possibly the most terrifying film of the 90’s and the inevitable follow up came a few years later. Unfortunately, it was the biggest pile of crap to a franchise in the history of film. Dare I say it but by removing the found footage element the tension was gone and despite holding a similarly amateur script, managed to fail at everything its predecessor achieved. Yet despite this, there is one redeeming factor found with ‘The Blair Witch 2’ and it’s on the disc. Not the DVD but the CD. Featuring a blast of early 00’s grunge metal it is the album of a generation that holds as a greatest hits for the horror genre at that time. Rob Zombie, System of a Down, Marilyn Manson, Queens of the Stone Age, even a duet of Dave Grohl and Tony Iommi for God’s sake! This was the soundtrack to die for, something the film makers surely did.