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Music Reviews:

Halloween Score (2007) – Music by Tyler Bates

Promotional – 2008

Tyler Bates creates a wicked HALLOWEEN score from the first cue “Halloween 2007” to the last note.  Bates has taken John Carpenter’s legendary cues and warped them in a way only he can do with Rob Zombie’s direction.

The distressed female voice the opens the first track puts you on edge and the little nasty sounds mixed within the ambience brings a darkness that in no way feels safe.

The rendition of “Mr. Sandman” is kind of haunting.  The female vocals by Nan Vernon are really different.

“Bully Kill” is the music that obviously backs little Michael Myers getting revenge on the kid who bullied him at school.  The power of this violent scene is heightened with Bates’ music, which is disturbingly powerful.  The little siren going off mid-cue and whispery “Ahhhh” female voice is a brilliantly scary touch.

Bates is in attack mode in “Ronnie Kill”, “Steve Kill” and “Judith Kill.”  His orchestration slashes out of the silence with drums and metallic objects punctuating what happens.

In “Live Inside Your Head” Bates innovatingly incorporates the feel of HALLOWEEN with sounds that have never been heard before in the series.  The tiny little sounds in this track are creepy.

A little human warmth flows into “Home Movies” via piano.  This is much needed for the movie and the soundtrack.

Death and destruction returns quickly in “You Ain’t My Fuckin Boss.”  Huge percussion elements ram this point home while dark blankets of orchestration threaten to stuff out all life.

Bates wonderfully uses Carpenter’s familiar theme for Laurie Strode within “Trick Or Treat, Smell My Feet.”

“The Devil’s House”, “Laurie Stabs Michael”, “Chasing Laurie” and “Michael Breaks Through” are all manifested with orchestration that is brutal and vicious matching Zombie’s vision.  Quick marching drums and percussion while the orchestra hisses and growls always letting you know it means business.

Wire high tension flows through “Michael Has Wood.”  High-pitched sounds scream while the percussion pounds lethal blows.  This track definitely ends the CD with your heart beating fast and you mind racing with terror.

Tyler Bates is an uncompromising composer willing to take chances with a juggernaut arsenal of sounds.  He one of the only composers consistently creating music that is scary.  I highly admire and respect him for doing this and continuing to treat all of us to his unforgettable music.

www.tylerbates.com