Composer

:

Elmer Bernstein

Genre

:

Film

Style

:

Film Score

Compose Date

:

1981

Heavy Metal is a soundtrack composed by Elmer Bernstein for the 1981 animated film of the same name. The film is an anthology of science fiction and fantasy stories, each set to a different song from the soundtrack. The film premiered on August 7, 1981, and the soundtrack was released on LP and cassette the same year. The soundtrack features a mix of heavy metal and hard rock songs, with contributions from artists such as Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Cheap Trick, and Sammy Hagar. The songs are arranged in a variety of styles, from the driving guitar riffs of "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)" by Don Felder to the haunting ballad "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" by Blue Öyster Cult. The soundtrack is divided into two movements, with the first half featuring songs that were specifically written for the film, and the second half featuring previously released songs that were licensed for use in the film. The first movement includes songs such as "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)" and "All of You" by Don Felder, while the second movement includes classics like "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf and "Radar Rider" by Riggs. One of the defining characteristics of the Heavy Metal soundtrack is its use of heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythms. Many of the songs feature distorted guitars and pounding drums, creating a sense of energy and urgency that matches the film's action-packed visuals. The lyrics of the songs often deal with themes of rebellion, freedom, and the power of rock and roll, reflecting the film's countercultural ethos. Overall, the Heavy Metal soundtrack is a classic example of the hard rock and heavy metal music of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its mix of original songs and licensed tracks, along with its high-energy performances and rebellious spirit, have made it a beloved classic among fans of the genre.

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