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.

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.

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.

---

Hey, before you go...

Nialler9 has been covering new music, new artists and gigs for the last 19 years. If you like the article you just read, and want us to publish more just like it, please consider supporting us on Patreon.

What you get as thanks in return...

• A weekly Spotify playlist only for patrons.
• Access to our private Nialler9 Discord community.
• Ad-free and bonus podcast episodes.
• Guestlist & discounts to Nialler9 & Lumo Club events.
• Themed playlists only for subscribers.

Your support enables us to continue to publish articles like this one, make podcasts and provide recommendations and news to our readers, and be a key part of the music community in Ireland and abroad.