Soundtrack: “Masters Of Horror II”
The CD: “Masters Of Horror II”
Performer: Various
Wow! Cookie Monster really sounds pissed off on the first track of this soundtrack to the second season of Showtime’s “Masters Of Horror” series. Actually, it’s the group Hatebreed with the soulful ballad, “New Hate Rising.” The vocalist on the second song sounds like Gollum. This is not an album for the connoisseur of fine crooning.
This soundtrack is largely the work of Nu-metal bands who identify with cheap horror movies, and if you like that sort of music, this might be right up your alley. If you’re not a fan of loud, badly-sung, aggressive music with explicit and obscene lyrics, then run away! Do not go into the basement! Get out of the house!
There are some exceptions. Lacuna Coil turns in an atmospheric tune, “Virtual Environment,” which works pretty well at setting a nervous mood. Seether contributes a live acoustic recording of their song “Needles.” It’s a nice departure from the typical hackneyed, heavy metal production that permeates most of this compilation. Shinedown also stands out with a live acoustic version of “Dirthouse” that shows off their vocalist’s singing ability. Too many of the other vocalists on this CD sound as though they’re straining their way through a painful bowel movement.
Junip turns in a nice little tune, though, that sounds a bit like The Doors. Asunder channels Kraftwerk on their song, almost to the point of parody. The “secret” star of the CD is Beck, incognito, performing as “Wounded Cougar.” His identity would be a bigger secret if it weren’t splashed all over the press materials. His song, “Drop Your Panties,” proves that, when he really puts his mind to it, Beck can make really lame, bad music. To use an autopsy term, his song is grossly unremarkable.
Overall, this CD is only for fans of the genre. Nobody’s going to hear this and suddenly chuck all their John Coltrane albums to become a metal head. It’s okay for what it is, music marketed towards the sizable demographic of disaffected teenagers. But for the most part, the “Masters Of Horror II” soundtrack will just make music lovers feel old.
– By Rudy Panucci
