[The News Bot]

Reviewed by Chris McEneany
Without a doubt, Elmer Bernstein’s epic score for Heavy Metal is far more ambitious and powerful than the film it accompanies. As with the disappointing (but still quirkily fun) Saturn 3, the composer managed to see far beyond the limitations of the screenplay and embellish the movie with nothing less than his best and, in this case, some of his most innovative and imaginative work. His use of the ondes Martinot, his Dies Irae and the interweaving themes that he created for the green orb, Taarna, Del and Harry Canyon make for one of the most satisfying and awe-inspiring soundtracks ever released. The decision to use rock tracks for the movie was a marketing one only and, in my opinion, they definitely lower the power of the stories and limit the scope of the film considerably. Bernstein saw way beyond such faddish trappings and found the heart and soul of Heavy Metal – which may sound a little ironic, but is certainly true. A proper official release of his score has long been craved, and its cult status – even away from the film – has been assured equally as long. So now, with the release of the full – you could say “hidden” – score, Elmer Bernstein’s unique and much-cherished contribution can, at long last, be fully appreciated.

I have my misgivings about the film – not least the fact that Bernstein’s exquisite score is chopped and changed around, and even replaced in some parts – but the music that he created for it is beyond reproach and takes us to the dimensions that the stories, themselves, struggle to make effective, with the power, beauty and vitality of his own individual stamp. FSM have delivered a truly marvellous package here, with pristine sound from Bernstein’s original ¼ inch stereo tapes, and, thankfully, this release doesn’t appear to be limited to the usual 3000 copies.
Needless to say, Bernstein’s full score for Heavy Metal is very highly recommended, indeed.

Read the full review...