13 Scores of Halloween - Day 10

One of my personal favorite composers is Jerry Goldsmith. He worked in every genre one could think of and was certainly no stranger to horror films. Though none of these fright fests could ever be considered masterpieces, he lent each of them his usual professionalism and skill. One of the most surprising scores in his career (and the genre) was for the third chapter of the Omen trilogy: The Final Conflict.

Ambassador Damien Thorn (Sam Neill) fears that the Nazarene may threaten his rise to power. Oh, and a group of monks try to kill him. I managed to find that post I referenced last year: "I love 'Omen III'...just for the Wile E. Coyote monks and their constant running off cliffs and pressing the Acme Anti-Christ killing machine button, getting no reaction as Damien races past, and then looking into barrel of said machine and BOOM! OK, maybe I am confused, but it isn't far off." He isn't, and, except for people who like that sort of thing and die-hard fans of the star and composer, I see no reason for people to bother with this.

Of course, fans of the composer know better, for they already possess the soundtrack. The score is comprised of two main themes, both of which are introduced in the "Main Titles": a driving melody for Damien on horns and choir (and I still say that The Vanishing utilized it for its theme) and a more noble theme for the Second Coming on low horns.

"Trial Run" showcases a haunting melody on voices, strings and flute that, for all the world, resembles the opening of Goldsmith's equally fantastic Secret of N.I.M.H. score. "The Monastery" presents a beautifully subtle take on the Second Coming theme, leading to an equally understated read of Damien's theme.

However, the pace quickens with cues like "A TV First" and "Parted Hair" that feature a sort-of 'killing' motif that (in spite of some admittedly silly-sounding electronics) manages to pack a punch with its frantic chanting. "The Hunt" takes Damien's theme and adds chimes, racing strings and tympani to the horn section, transforming it into an adventurous, almost heroic fanfare.

The quavering strings rendition of Damien's theme in "Electric Storm" is quite unnerving, while the choir sets off their own fireworks with the other major theme in "The Second Coming".

"The Final Conflict" throws in everything from the 'killing' motif to a quick quote of the Dies Irae before leading to an incredible climax that...oh, just click the damn link! You'll know what I mean.

Released by Varese Sarabande twice, the more recent Deluxe Edition is your best bet for an unforgettable listening experience.

Tomorrow: The Devil, I dont.