12 great horror soundtracks as picked by John Kowalski of Solar Bears
1. Under The Skin by Mica Levi
Track: ‘Love’
This is the strongest score I’ve heard in years. Extremely impressive given it is her first foray into film composing.
2. The Wicker Man by Paul Giovanni and Magnet
Track: ‘Lullaby’
Flawless film, flawless soundtrack.
3. The Shining by Wendy Carlos
Track: ‘Rocky Mountains’
As far as I’m aware the score was based on Berlioz’s Dies Irae meaning ‘Day of Wrath’. Fitting given the nature of the plot. Her work is far more futuristic and wide reaching than anything I hear nowadays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-KHK-GEW7M
4. Cannibal Holocaust by Riz Ortolani
Track: ‘Cannibal Holocaust Theme’
Extremely inappropriate for the subject matter but luscious nonetheless.
![Riz Ortolani - Main Theme [Cannibal Holocaust - Original Soundtrack]](https://nialler9.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/GCYndZn6wuk-hqdefault.jpg)
5. Berberian Sound Studio by Broadcast
Track: ‘Teresa, Lark of Ascension’
Berberian Sound Studio is a film told mostly through sound and suggestion. It centres around a shy sound mixer who is given the task of completing a mix for an Italian horror film. Sadly the score was the final work of Broadcast’s Trish Keenan.
6. Christine by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth
Track: ‘Moochie’s Death’
Lesser known but full grown.
![Track 07 : Moochie's Death - John Carpenter & Alan Howarth [HD]](https://nialler9.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/KEvhO7fMtCE-hqdefault.jpg)
7. Patrick by Goblin
Track: ‘Patrick’
The score they did for Suspiria would have been the obvious choice and many others such as Buio Omega. My personal favourite would be this one for the film Patrick. Beautiful sequencing.
8. The Bird With Crystal Plumage by Ennio Morricone
Track: ‘The Bird With Crystal Plumage‘
Most folk would be familiar with Morricone for his work in Western movies with Sergio Leone and more recent fare like The Mission or The Untouchables. He also delved quite a lot in the Giallo genre which was an Italian scene in the late 20th century.
9. The Hitcher by Mark Isham
Track: ‘The Hitcher’
Certainly a good example of a score that enhances a movie fully, perfect tone throughout.
10. Beyond The Black Rainbow by Sentionauts
Track: ‘Sinoia Caves – Sentionauts’
I found out about this film on the ISO50 blog due to the fact it has remarkable set design and colour scheming. The soundtrack would be the other major strength it has.
11. All The Colors Of The Dark by Bruno Nicolai
Track: ‘ Sabba Sequence 2’
Had to include the following simply based on the melody. Bruno Nicolai would not be as acclaimed as Morricone, having said that his output is up there amongst the best.
12. Rosemary’s Baby by Krzysztof Komeda
Track: ‘Lullaby Variation 1’
One of the most haunting films of all time for obvious reasons.
