Conan the Barbarian

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

A classic is a classic when it has the personality to impress the listener even years after its initial release. It isn't difficult to mention several that changed the fate of movie music but hardly anyone will mention Conan the Barbarian as one of its leaders, though it was equally important for that change. Basil Poledouris scored truly big with this epic score, an orchestral thematic action soundtrack while the choral magic keeps hitting the sealing the one time after the other. No doubt to say that Poledouris created a name for himself. It got him on board on illustrious productions such as Robocop and later Farewell to the King but the fan still mentions Conan the Barbarian as the cream of the crop of movie music. Who am I to blame when people mention this in advance! It did not only do miracles for Poledouris but also for muscle man and body builder Arnold Schwarzenegger, and together you will face the classic sound of an epic soundtrack indestructible in power. Conan the Barbarian is simply one score of Poledouris to have.

The ongoing thematic brilliance sets the score in fire from the first and don't expect it to end until the last second has stopped. Hymns, themes and choral phrases all make it a treasure for movie fanatics, those wanting simply a bit more then the effectiveness in the film. It might start however with a sound totally different in time and style. The first bars will surely make you remember of Jerry Goldsmith's Total Recall. Now, don't pay any attention at it and hear what the rest brings in advance. That same track 'Anvil of Crom' has the piece I adored so much in Gladiator's teaser and truly Poledouris can score a heck of a heroic theme. 'Riddle of Steel / Riders of Doom' uses an impressive choir and the result is really breathtaking, sort of The Hunt for Red October in feel. Next I find 'Theology / Civilization' one of the best highlights on the album. It uses a gorgeous theme and lets it build up to greater heights. What this album has of good points is beyond its absence of negative ones, Poledouris surely keeps things moving so well that the score never bores, always enthralls and totally makes up for the one negative thing I can think off. And that is the absence of an end track with all the themes of the movie, a compilation would have made this soundtrack the best one in its category for sure. Of course there are other things to mention, like once more that massive choir in 'Battle of the Mound'. Or the awe inspiring heroism in 'Funeral Pyre'. This album has it simply all.

True, people will always mention Goldsmith, Williams and Horner with their classics but truth be told, every composer has them. And Poledouris has several with Conan the Barbarian as the one with the epic sound and quality. You simply have to give the composer credit for his abundance of thematic material in this release, it makes the listening experience only better. As a composition, there isn't a better then to recommend because everything a fan wishes himself of sound (orchestral and choral bombast) is found on the soundtrack. The orchestra sounds huge, the choir is no small thingie either and the sound quality will harm no ones' listening pleasure. It simply has all what I wanted, (well just those absent end credits but that is a minor flaw and doesn't concern Poledouris' score). Conan the Barbarian didn't only do miracles for our beloved Arnold, it also gave an extra fresh air to movie scoring. And fans of all ages have figured out by now who and what it has become of a result in the latter years. One adventure piece of supreme quality.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Anvil Of Crom (2.35) Excellent Track

2. Riddle Of Steel / Riders Of Doom (5.36) Excellent Track

3. Gift Of Fury (3.50)

4. Wheel Of Pain (4.09)

5. Atlantean Sword (3.50)

6. Theology / Civilization (3.13) Excellent Track

7. Wifeing (2.10)

8. The Leaving / The Search (5.59) Excellent Track

9. Mountain Of Power Procession (3.21)

10. The Tree Of Woe (3.31)

11. Recovery (2.12)

12. The Kitchen / The Orgy * (6.30)

13. Funeral Pyre (4.29)

14. Battle Of The Mounds (4.52) Excellent Track

15. Death Of Rexor (5.34)

16. Orphans Of Doom / The Awakening (5.32)

* Written by Basil and Zoы Poledouris

Total Length: 67.54

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Basil Poledouris ===