Nothing quite sets the mood for a horror movie like a terrifying score. You can have all the blood, all the violence, all zombies in the world, but it is often the accompanying music that puts you on edge the most. We’re not talking about a perm-haired Don Dokken providing an absolute cheese-fest (see Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Warriors), we mean intricately composed, harrowing music that is just as unsettling as the movie you are watching.
Many cult horror scores suffered poor mastering when initially released, basic packaging, and some were just seen as obligation to the film studio. Enter Spencer Hickman, former boss of London hot spot Rough Trade East, who in 2011 founded Death Waltz Recordings. Working with iconic composers such as Fabio Frizzi and John Carpenter, right through to Italian prog/soundtrack legends Goblin, Hickman filled a gap in the market that horror lovers had long since desired.
The titles go right back to cult classics Cannibal Holocaust, Zombie Flesh Eaters, Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, They Live, Prince of Darkness, Lizard in a Woman’s Skin, and countless others. Death Waltz has even released scores from science fiction/thrillers such as Assault On Precinct 13, The Raid, and Escape From New York.
For the first time, we have acquired a staggering collection of Death Waltz titles. They have been lovingly looked after, and are the same condition you would expect to buy them in brand new. They are in stock, and ready to be passed on to Death Waltz purists in search of titles they missed out on, and those just taking an interest in this burgeoning collectors market.
Here’s a sneak peek….
We have a varied selection in stock, and nearly all – with one or two exceptions – are pressed on 180 gram vinyl, in a variety of weird and wonderful colour variants (“Atomic Breath Splatter” in the case of the Godzilla soundtrack). They are packaged in meticulously designed casebound, tip-on sleeve, with stunning artwork. Some include extras such as posters, art cards, and obi-strips. We have even been lucky enough to pick up some limited number pressings, which were only available to Death Waltz subscribers. A perfect example is the excellent “Bootleg Look” pressing of The Hook and Pull Gang, on double green/white swirl vinyl, limited to just 800 copies. Also, one lucky customer will be able to snap up a test pressing of the score to Room 237, of which only 15 are believed to exist.
Here’s a few highlights….
This may well be the only time we see a Death Waltz collection like this. Given the rarity, and the way in which they are beautifully made, these titles are unlikely to hang around for long…..you can see the full list here
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