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Sinister: The Terrifying Other Soundtrack

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Sinister’s soundtrack was composed of the official soundtrack by Christopher Young and also a collection of atmospheric music from an avant-garde group of musicians.

Spoilers should be assumed from this point on.

Perhaps the most disturbing and scariest part of Sinister (2012) is not its main antagonist, boogeyman Bughuul. Rather, it’s a collection of old home movies that Ellison (Ethan Hawke) discovers and watches late at night, alone. The Super 8 footage discovered by Ellison is a collection of snuff films that each feature a different family. The disturbing films start as a typical home movie, depicting a family having fun, then it jump-cuts to the murders of the family by an unseen person. Besides the frightening and disturbing visuals, the music for each of these home movies is truly terrifying. Each soundtrack fits perfectly to its respective film, and really creates an unsettling atmosphere for the viewer. This collection of other soundtracks more than likely contributed significantly to the film’s strong first-half.

Below are the tracks used in the home movies that are watched by Ethan Hawke’s character Ellison.

BBQ ’79

Artist: Ulver
Song: Silence Teaches You How To Sing

Different parts of the 24 minute track by Ulver were used in the film twice. First, when the family is hanging from the tree, and second when the Martinez family murder takes place in 1979. The second one, below, is the scariest part and features the unsettling wailing, which is used when the family is being burned in their garage.

Artist: Ulver

Pool Party ’66

Artist: Judgehydrogen
Song: A Body of Water

This track is played during the oldest film in the collection, which depicts a family murder in 1966. The horrifying whispering and moaning at the same time really adds to the feeling of hopelessness and terror the victims must feel during this nightmarish scene. Probably one of the most disturbing scenes in the film.

Artist: Judgehydrogen

Lawn Work ’86

Artist: Accurst
Song: Fragment # 9

Perhaps the most infamous video for it’s terrifying jump-scare. The low level ambiance, the humming, and the growling all work to guide the viewer towards the video’s frightening climax. The sounds together imitate the sound of the lawnmower depicted and the trance like music both complements the visuals perfectly and sets a mood of absolute horror. This is one track that can be listened to in broad daylight and still scare the living daylights out of you.

Sleepy Time ‘98

Artist: Aghast
Song: Sacrifice

The most eyes-adverting video of them all, depicts the murder of the Miller family, and is not one easily forgotten. This atmospheric track is perhaps the most haunting of them all and masterfully helps establish Bughuul’s otherworldly presence.

ARTIST: AGHAST

Family Hanging Out ’11

Artist: Ulver
Song: Silence Teaches You How To Sing

In this home movie, four members of the Stevenson family are murdered. The morbid and melancholiac nature of the music together with the disturbing slow-motion film creates a truly unsettling feeling for the viewer.

Artist: Ulver

House Painting ’12

Artist: Sunn O))) & Boris
Song: Blood Swamp

This track features on the last home movie, which is never shown, but is played during the Oswalt family murder. The guitar and bass section of the 14 minute song really touches on the darkness and insanity taking place during film’s climax.

Artist: Sunn O))) & Boris

Conclusion

Sinister (2012) regularly ranks as being one of the scariest horror films made. In a “Science of Scare” study conducted by Broadband Choices (via Screen Rant), Sinister was ranked the number 1 scariest film in 2020, and still ranks number 2 the following two years. It is doubtless the soundtrack played a significant role in this viewer perception, as just listening to the music without the visuals is terrifying enough.

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Music & Art

The Amazing Poster Art of Evil Dead Rise

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Check out this awesome collection of terrifyingly groovy Evil Dead Rise posters created by some talented artists.

Evil Dead Rise is currently out in theatres nationwide, and has enjoyed a worldwide box office opening of $42.4 million, with $24.5 million going to domestic US audiences, and $17.9 million for international. In this article, we feature some breath-taking Evil Dead Rise artwork by some exceptionally talented illustrators.

A new retro-styled poster by artist Creepy Duck Design has recently been released. This stunning artwork gives off 1980s, early ’90s vibes, and there is nothing wrong with that. Some of the best poster art for horror films was released during this period. The composition of this particular piece is masterful as it shows the demonic hand of a deadite looming over the city, playing on the film’s fresh and exciting new city setting. The purple and yellowy orange complimentary colours work nicely together, and the red title is angled and positioned so it draws you into the picture.

Image Credit: Creepy Duck Design

The next awesome design is by artist Alex Vincent and uses a nice one-point perspective to lead the viewer towards Alyssa Sutherland’s terrifying deadite, who is framed by the doorway. The figure is well posed, with the deadite looking both evil and mischievous. The ominous writing on the wall, using the film’s taglines is a clever idea, as is placing the title on the floor, with all text pointing towards the horrifying main area of interest in the doorway.

Image Credit: Alex Vincent

This next poster design is by BossLogic. This one has a strong composition with the buildings leading the eye towards the giant blood-soaked cheese grater. Anyone familiar with this scene from the trailer or film may wince a little upon seeing it. The blood rain in the background is a nice touch; there’s no shortage of pouring blood in the Evil Dead franchise.

Image Credit: BossLogic

This next one is by Devon Whitehead (devondraws) and is definitely one of the best designs yet. The composition is absolutely on point with three different sized heads of Alyssa Sutherland’s ‘mommy’ deadite leaning ominously toward the viewer; each showing a different expression of evil. The low angle of the shot is perfect to show the film’s most powerful deadite looming, with the protagonists each in an ‘about to’ pose as they face the oncoming deadites. The cool and warm colours work nicely together, with the warm colours towards the front giving the heated feel of the oncoming danger, and the cool cold background colours providing a suitably spooky contrast.

Image Credit: Devon Whitehead

This final artwork, also by Devon Whitehead (devondraws) was done for CAVITYCOLORS merch. The art is available as an officially licensed tee & hoodie for Evil Dead Rise. A (non-affiliate) link to the hoodie and the t-shirt.

This is absolutely one of the best Evil Dead Rise artworks yet. For anyone that has seen the film, they will instantly get the motifs. The dynamic composition is second to none. There is so much movement in the image it’s brilliant. The composition is somewhat circular, with the Alyssa Sutherland’s deadite scratching away at the record that spins you towards the deadites on the left, up to the deadite holding a cheese grater, and the buttons shooting down towards the title from the film’s standout line “Mommy’s with the maggots now”. A nice harmonious colour palette, and certainly a fitting image for any Evil Dead fan to don before heading out to watch the movie.

Image Credit: Devon Whitehead, CAVITYCOLORS.com

Some stellar artwork on display here, by some really talented artists. If these stunning posters don’t make you want to see the film, are you even a true Evil Dead fan?

Evil Dead Rise is in cinemas now nationwide.

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Music & Art

Art Meets Horror: A Collection of 15 Hauntingly Beautiful Horror Art Books

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Discover 15 chilling horror art books that showcase haunting illustrations and macabre imagery. Enter the dark side of art and experience spine-tingling terror.

Horror and art are two genres that have long been intertwined, with some of the most memorable horror stories brought to life through chilling illustrations and macabre imagery. From classic horror icons to contemporary artists, the horror art genre has produced some of the most hauntingly beautiful creations that thrill and terrify in equal measure. In this article, we’ll showcase 15 horror art books that are must-reads for any horror fan or art lover. Get ready to enter the dark and twisted world of horror art, where beauty and terror collide in spine-chilling harmony.

15. The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History

The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History focuses on how the horror genre has presented itself to the world since the creations of Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley came about in the 19th century. From early engravings-via dust jackets, book illustrations, pulp magazines, movie posters, comic books, and paintings to modern digital art, it’s all here in this comprehensive illustrated guide. The editor sourced visuals from archives and private collections worldwide, including rare and unfamiliar artworks.

14. The Art of Horror Movies: An Illustrated History

From the same creative team behind the award-winning illustrated The Art of Horror, this book covers the entire history of the horror film, from the silent era right up to the latest releases and trends. Featuring over 600 rare and unique images including posters, lobby cards, advertising, promotional items, tie-in books and magazines, and original artwork inspired by classic movies, The Art of Horror Movies is the definitive guide for anyone who loves horror films and art.

13. Aliens – Artbook

A follow-up to Alien: 40 Years 40 Artists, Aliens – Artbook includes over 100 pieces by professional artists. From character portraits, faux book covers and poster concepts, to iconic scenes, this is a lavish coffee table book is bursting with brand new and exclusive art. A must have for any fan of the franchise.

12. The Art of Pulp Horror: An Illustrated History

From the same creative team behind the award-winning illustrated The Art of Horror, this stunning book includes 800 rare and unique images from around the world, including book and magazine covers, interior illustrations, movie posters, comic books, promotional items, tie-ins, and previously unpublished artwork commissioned especially for this book. The Art of Pulp Horror is a worthy addition for any fans of both horror and art.

11. Nightmare On One-sheet: The Art of Graham Humphreys

Nightmare On One-sheet is a follow up to Hung, Drawn and Executed, this second volume contains almost 100 new paintings by professional illustrator Graham Humphreys, many of them created during the pandemic. This stunning book features art created in the traditional medium of gouache on watercolour paper.

10. The Book of Horror: The Anatomy of Fear in Film 

The Book of Horror: The Anatomy of Fear in Film includes 100 classic and contemporary horror films from around the globe, and striking illustrations from Barney Bodoano. By focusing on the most frightening films of the post-war era, The Book of Horror is intended to be a rich and compelling guide to the scariest films ever made.  

9. Hung, Drawn and Executed: The Horror Art of Graham Humphreys

Professional illustrator Graham Humphreys is no stranger to the genre, from designing the iconic Evil Dead poster to Nightmare on Elm Street and House of a Thousand Corpses, his iconic art can be seen in this beautiful art book. Preferring the traditional medium of gouache to paint his images, this stunning book includes previously unseen work, including paintings, drawings and colour studies. Showcasing some beautiful art, Hung, Drawn and Executed is a worthy addition to any true horror fan’s book collection.

8. The Art of Hammer – Posters from the Archive of Hammer Films

The Hammer Horror films are a series of Gothic Horror movies made by the London based British film production company, Hammer Film Productions between the 1950s and the early 1970s. The Art of Hammer is the first ever collection of the company’s iconic movie posters, containing hundreds of rare posters from around the world. This lavish horror art book, featuring Hammer’s greatest films is a must have for any real horror fan.

7. Voluptuous Terrors 2: 100 Horror & Exploitation Film Posters From Italy (The Art of Cinema)

This art book contains classic Italian film poster art from the post-war period through to the 1980s for classic exploitation and pulp horror films. Voluptuous Terrors 2 contains 120 film posters by a wide range of acclaimed Italian artists, and features full-colour, full-page reproductions of art made for both indigenous and foreign-language film productions.

6. Alien: 40 Years 40 Artists

Forty Artists, filmmakers, and fans were invited to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Alien in 2019, by contributing a piece of original art. Contributors to Alien: 40 Years 40 Artists include Alien: Covenant concept artist Dane Hallett, Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve, Sam Hudecki, and Tanya Lapointe; Star Wars concept artist Terryl Whitlatch; and Kong: Skull Island director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, and Jon Wilcox.

5. GRINDHOUSE VISIONS: 100 Horror, Science Fiction & Exploitation Film Posters (The Art of Cinema)

GRINDHOUSE VISIONS is a collection of 100 striking English-language film posters designed specifically for low-budget horror genre films. The theme of the posters deals with subjects such as horror, science fiction, juvenile delinquency, bad girls and exploitation. The posters in this volume date from 1955-1981 and are reproduced in full colour, and at full page-length or page-width.

4. GRINDHOUSE VISIONS 4: 100 Horror Film Posters From France & Spain (The Art of Cinema)

European film poster art of the 1950s to 1980s was dominated by Italy. However, other countries also contributed significant artistic innovations to the genre. GRINDHOUSE VISIONS 4 showcases some of the most striking and provocative designs from France and Spain, created to promote horror movies, especially those using elements of women in peril.  

3. CRYPT OF CARNAL TERRORS: 100 Artworks For Italian Horror & Giallo Cine-Locandine (The Art of Cinema) 

CRYPT OF CARNAL TERRORS is a book volume that showcases 100 classic artworks crafted for Italian Horror by a wide range of acclaimed Italian artists. This stunning art book contains classic horror scenes in full-colour, full-page images highlighting some of the world’s most innovative and seductive promotion art for film.

2. Voluptuous Terrors 1: 120 Horror & Science Fiction Film Posters From Italy (The Art of Cinema)

From the post-war period through to the 1980s, Italian artists produced posters with stunning designs and terrifying imagery. Voluptuous Terrors 1 collects 120 film posters by a wide range of acclaimed Italian artists, created for classic science fiction, and pulp horror of both indigenous and foreign-language film productions.

1. GRINDHOUSE VISIONS 3: 100 Horror, Science Fiction & Exploitation Film Posters (The Art of Cinema)

The third volume of GRINDHOUSE VISIONS 3 is another collection of 100 striking English-language film posters designed specifically for low-budget horror genre films. As with first-volume, the theme of the posters deals with subjects such as horror, science fiction, juvenile delinquency, bad girls and exploitation. The posters are reproduced in full colour, and maximal size.

Horror art books are a unique and captivating way to experience the world of horror. The haunting illustrations and macabre imagery in these books bring a new dimension to our favourite horror stories and characters. We hope this list of 15 horror art books has inspired you to explore the dark and twisted world of horror art, and perhaps even add a few of these spine-chilling books to your collection.

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Music & Art

The Iconic Role of Synth Music in Horror

A look at the important role Synth music has played in the horror genre.

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We look the role of Synth music in horror and how the atmospheric music has influenced soundtracks in the genre.

The Synthesizer has been a popular choice for music in modern horror films dating back to the 1970s. Over time, Synth music has become a quintessential part of the horror genre, and when used effectively can significantly enhance a film’s mood and images. Synth music is typically created using electronic instruments, which produce a unique set of tones that are not found in traditional instruments.

One of the most interesting things about synth-based horror music is the way it can create a sense of nostalgia and unease at the same time. The use of vintage synthesizers and analog equipment can evoke a sense of the past, while the often dissonant and unsettling sounds they produce can create a sense of anxiety and fear. This tension between the familiar and the unknown is a hallmark of the horror genre, and it is one of the reasons why synthesizer music works so well in horror films.

When Synth music is used in horror films, it often features dissonant chords, which are chords that sound harsh or unpleasant when played together. These chords can create a sense of tension and unease in the listener. Many synth compositions in horror films also use low-frequency oscillations, which are deep, pulsating sounds that can create a sense of impending doom or danger. Synth music in horror films often uses reverb and distortion effects to create a sense of space and depth. These effects can also make the music sound more eerie or unsettling.

In the 1980s, synthesizer music became even more prevalent in horror films, as the popularity of electronic music exploded. This was the era of classic horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street, and the scores for these films often featured driving, pulsing synthesizer beats that perfectly complemented the on-screen action. The music for these films was often composed by up-and-coming artists who would go on to become some of the most influential names in electronic music, such as Alan Howarth and Harry Manfredini.

Halloween (1978). Credit: Trancas International Films

Perhaps the most notable uses of synth music in a horror film are in John Carpenter films. The music synthesizer became a signature part of Carpenter’s horror films, and his scores set the film’s atmosphere perfectly. The soundtrack for The Fog (1980) was composed and performed by Carpenter himself, and is said that he considers it one of his best scores. For Halloween (1978), the main theme was created using a Moog Modular III System, composed by Carpenter, and programmed by Dan Wyman (via VINTAGE KING). The simple, repetitive melody played on a synthesizer became instantly recognizable and helped to establish the film as a classic of the horror genre. Carpenter went on to use synthesizers in many of his other films, including The Thing and Escape from New York, cementing his status as one of the pioneers of synth-based horror soundtracks.

Suspiria (1977). Credit: Produzioni Atlas Consorziate

Italian horror master Dario Argento, another notable horror director has made good use of the synthesizer in his films. The soundtrack to the film Suspiria (1977) was composed and performed by the Italian band Goblin. The band wanted to experiment further so they hired a Moog Modular System 55 synthesizer, but found using the huge analogue difficult, so they hired another composer to run it (via Noisegate).

Zombi 2 (1979). Credit: Variety Distribution

Another Italian director, Lucio Fulci teamed up with composer Fabio Frizzi for Zombi 2 (1979). A controversial terrifying film known for its gore, and notorious shark scene, the soundtrack masterfully carries the viewer along on a doom-laden ride as the outbreak takes place on a Caribbean island. The eerie almost melancholic synths as the zombies reanimate and attack the islanders makes this one of the most atmospheric horror films out there. Fulci and Frizzi collaborated on a number of films, most notably City of the Living Dead (1980) and The Beyond (1981).

It Follows (2014). Credit: RADiUS-TWC

The use of synthesizers in horror continued to evolve throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with filmmakers experimenting with new sounds and styles. In the 2014 film It Follows, composer Disasterpeace created a score that combined retro synthesizer sounds with modern electronic beats to create a truly unique and unsettling sound. The eerie synth was cleverly used to create the ominous mood and atmospheric dread of the film’s antagonist, the entity that stalks and kills its cursed victims. Stranger Things (2016), set in the 80s, unsurprisingly features a synth soundtrack heavily influenced by the decade.

Overall, the sounds of synth music used in horror films are often designed to create a sense of unease, tension, and suspense in the audience, and they can be highly effective at setting the mood for a scary scene. Some of the greatest and most atmospheric films to date came from an era where the synth was a staple part of a film or TV show’s soundtrack. The use of synthesizer music in horror films has become a defining feature of the genre. From classic films like Halloween to modern classics like It Follows, synth-based horror soundtracks have helped to create some of the most memorable and effective horror movie moments of all time. Whether it’s the simple, driving beat of a John Carpenter score or the complex, atmospheric sounds of a Disasterpeace composition, synthesizers will continue to play an important role in the world of horror cinema for years to come.

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