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Halloween (1978) Main Theme


One of the must important elements of a horror movie is the music- especially when it's subtle enough to go unnoticed, but still creep into your soul and chill your blood.  Most horror movie themes are rather ordinary sounding, but some... some transcend the ordinary, and become iconic and set the bar high for those that come after...

John Carpenter's main theme for his 1978 feature, "Halloween" is one those iconic songs.

At first listen, it's not a very complex piece, but as you listen further... it turns out to be comprised layers of dark, sinister intent stalking you from the theatrical shadows of the movie screen.  It is slow and rhythmical, like a heartbeat- your heartbeat as you check behind the couch, in the closet, under the bed for The Shape that lurks out sight... picking up speed as your realize that it's right behind you.

This music is an ominous blanket of shadows falling over a quiet, idyllic neighbourhood, as Death flits from hedgerow to cellar door to your closet.  You can't escape the feeling of closing dread as you listen to it.

This piece is in my opinion a masterpiece... truly and iconic work that deserves all the fan love it receives, and the place in horror music lore that it deserves.

Give it a listen below:

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