If the black-vampire-hunter-as-action-hero genre isn't exactly oversaturated, it's hardly because of the strong star turns of Wesley Snipes in the film adaptations of the popular Blade graphic novels. This sequel to the '9... more »8 original may have a plot hole (or three), but Marco Beltrami takes the baton from the original vamp-hunting thriller's Mark Isham and delivers a rousing orchestral score full of dark corners and ominous percussive thunder. While the film's strong, club-mix-heavy song score emphasizes the story's contemporary setting, Beltrami instinctively gets the tale's gothic, sword 'n' sorcery roots, punctuating his rhythmic, suspenseful score with blasts of Barbarian-friendly blasts of brass. The title track fuses the composer's dramatic instincts with the back-to-the-'70s synth-swagger of electronica artist-producer Danny Saber, while "Nomack the Knife" is anything but playful, powered by a beat-heavy symphonic wallop that just might clear the dance floor. --Jerry McCulley« less
If the black-vampire-hunter-as-action-hero genre isn't exactly oversaturated, it's hardly because of the strong star turns of Wesley Snipes in the film adaptations of the popular Blade graphic novels. This sequel to the '98 original may have a plot hole (or three), but Marco Beltrami takes the baton from the original vamp-hunting thriller's Mark Isham and delivers a rousing orchestral score full of dark corners and ominous percussive thunder. While the film's strong, club-mix-heavy song score emphasizes the story's contemporary setting, Beltrami instinctively gets the tale's gothic, sword 'n' sorcery roots, punctuating his rhythmic, suspenseful score with blasts of Barbarian-friendly blasts of brass. The title track fuses the composer's dramatic instincts with the back-to-the-'70s synth-swagger of electronica artist-producer Danny Saber, while "Nomack the Knife" is anything but playful, powered by a beat-heavy symphonic wallop that just might clear the dance floor. --Jerry McCulley
"Wake up, people- this is a film score. that means that you get some kick a** music but none of the techno. A lot of people have asked about techno songs from the movie, and I will help if I can- the bloodbath song is, of course, Confusion by New Order, and as another reviewer said the music Frost is listening to in the archives is Call and Response by Source Direct. I have heard that the bar scene (with the japanese school girls) is Ah, Singapore by Shonen Knife but I have not found the right mix yet- anyone know where to look? The first song from the end credits is Southside Reverb's "Go Get On it". If anyone has info on the bar song or any other songs email me at event_horizon@techie.com Even if you just want the techno, buy this CD anyway, it has some good stuff."
Don't Believe Review # 1 !!!
Reticuli | 02/12/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Actually, whoever wrote review # 1 is a bit confused. The CD does not contain any of the "songs" from the movie! What it does contain is the music that takes place in between the "songs". You know- dark, moody sounds, etc. There are no lyrics on the CD, and certainly none of the thumping techno you may be looking for. If you want some moody stuff that played in the background of Blade, this is for you, if you want the more lively stuff, you are better served by going to the "other" Blade CD. On that one, I must agree W/ the reviews that state "don't buy it for the techno", as only the last 4 songs ARE techno. The bulk of the CD is hip-hop & rap. But I bought it anyway, because the New Order remix of Confusion is so delicious that its worth the price of admission alone. Makes me want to go kill a vampire or two myself! (But please note, you can get the same track on a New Order remix CD W/O and of the other stuff, & I believe its even longer too!). Peace."
A little repetitive
08/24/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The score was actually allright. Most of the tracks sounded the same but there were some cool beats. Those of you looking for the blood bath music in the beginning aren't gonna find it here."
This is the Film Score, not the Pop Soundtrack [20 bit HDCD]
Reticuli | Las Vegas | 10/05/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"To all those who are using your reviews as bulletin board messages to find the pop songs from the film: GO COMPLAIN ON THE "POP SOUNDTRACK" PAGE, NOT HERE. THIS IS THE SCORE. To everyone else: this is a unique, neo-gothic electronic/symphonic film score. I've never really heard anything quite like it, and it was perfect for the film. My only complaint is it could have been longer with more variation. Most scores are actually much longer than what's used on the film, so I suspect there was plenty of written material that simply wasn't fully produced. Isham should have added some extras for this release."
Pulsing with Dark Menace
Aranion | Dayton, OH United States | 08/23/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Isham'score for Blade is not a traditionally written or conducted score. What becomes clear about the score, once listened to apart from the film, is that it's a great horror score.
The music is, more than anything, about setting or augmenting atmosphere. As such, the music throbs with deep bass while being punctuated by crashes or cymbals.
By far the best piece is the opener - "Intruder." It's probably the closest to a conventional score track as the album gets, but will rattle your windows with the thunderous drums and bass beats.
"The Temple of Light" is another memorable track, but can be a bit disturbing with its chorale elements and building sense of danger.
As mentioned before, this is NOT an action film score, but more a collection of pieces that add touches of mysterious horror to the story. It does not fare all the well on its own, as the lack of ear-friendly themes or pieces can make for difficult or frustrating listening.
I've found the score works perfectly as background music for creative work - as long as you're in the mood for something dark and kinetic. It also makes for great driving music if you're in the car in those magic moments before a storm hits, when the sky has darkened, the air is thick and the world waits for the tempest to break.
Bottom line: if you're looking for a great action movie score, keep looking. If you're wanting something brooding and dangerous to set a mood, give it a try."