Friday 23 May 2014

REVIEW: Michael Wandmacher - 13 Sins (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Since 1986, Michael Wandmacher has been scoring films. His résumé includes some somewhat bigger movies such as Legend of the Drunken Master and 2005's Cry Wolf. Over the last 10 years, though, he's really started picking up steam with movies like Train, My Bloody Valentine, Piranha 3D and Drive Angry.

There are elements in this score that remind me of Christopher Young's Sinister score. It's not quite there for me on the overall creep and awesome factor, but it's reminiscent. That is also no slight on this score, as Sinister is one of my absolute favorites ever.

The opening track, "13 Sins (Opening)", is a great setup for what's to come. All the elements in the score are on display in this song. It's over quickly but it's got a strong gothic industrial vibe and hits on the levels of atmosphere that are further elaborated on throughout this entire work.

The second track, "Kill the Fly", starts off frantic with huge drums. After this section it mellows to an atmospheric section that builds nicely to a close.

The next several tracks are very atmospheric. Nice melody with big drums mixed in gives it all a sense of worth. Tension, beauty and an overall sense of panic are brought together very well throughout the score.

When "Pervert" hits, it hits like a ton of bricks. It's very tense action sequence music but it sounds huge. After the initial take off, it slips back into the atmospheric vibe.

"Amputee" is another standout track. More great gothic industrial type vibes in this one. The only problem is that as soon as it starts drawing you in, it's over.

"Amputee" sets us up perfectly for the highs and lows in the next song, "Surrender" (no, not a Cheap Trick cover). This one is very drum driven. It's packed with rhythm and tension.

These rhythmic drums and tense atmospheres keep up with "Hostage Situation", "The Opponent", "Only One Winner", "Just an Employee" and, finally, "13 Sins (Reprise)". These songs are all fantastic with phenomenal ups, downs, twists and turns. They also get the blood flowing.

The first half of the score dwells a little more on the vulnerable feel with intensity slipped in while the second half hits sort of the opposite. Each time I listen, I think it's really good but wonder what really grabbed me about it. When that second half pops in, it's obvious. Wandmacher knows what he's doing and it comes across in this collection.

There are songs that, if simply listening to the score, seem like they're just there, but they add the right dynamic to the film. This is what great score composers do. It may be a bit forgettable but the drums and noises throughout make this an enjoyable listen for anyone who loves horror scores. Eerie, melancholy and a whole lot of rhythm are all on display and Wandmacher blends them all seamlessly.

7.5 out of 10 skulls


Available from:
http://moviescoremedia.com/screamworks/2014/04/15/13-sins-michael-wandmacher/

Reviewed by Chris Cavoretto