The Omen

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

In 1976 it was rather obvious that Jerry Goldsmith would win several Oscars more then the one he received for The Omen. But we have reached the Millennium and that Oscar shelve is rather empty, portraying one golden statue and that's it. For a master like Goldsmith a pure humiliation, it gives a wrong idea of his career but Goldsmith fans can at least treasure the only victorious score so far, and that is one of the most chilling listens to be found in the film music industry as of today. The Omen isn't beautiful (though some moments are rather pretty) but the feel is purely demonic, terrifying in the movie as on disc and offering pure chilling choral music that hypnotizes you and doesn't stop doing it until the end has been reached. It is spine tingling when you close the windows and doors, shut off all the lights and listen to this in pure darkness. It not only hypnotizes you from the word go, but scares the living daylights out of you. So, musically its mayhem and the choral chanting adds supreme depth to the scary environment. 'Ave Satani' starts this score with a hypnosis, not a frightening mood, that part is added in 'Killer's Storm', 'The Demise of Mrs. Baylock' which offers some really scary stuff when the choir starts to whisper in Latin and 'The Dog's Attack' that offers the best part of all. Still the end of 'The Altar' is mostly impressive, you have the feeling that the devil has won and it doesn't bring a satisfying end to the score.

So, Goldsmith offers choral chanting that will dismay any good thoughts you will have about you're day. Effective and hypnotizing are the words you would use to summarize this release. And this results in the scary mood and frightening environment. You can say that Goldsmith offered a impressive score to back up the visuals and especially the effective demonic side that gives you goosebumps each time you hear it. 'The Fall' will bring that more then ever. The Omen isn't easy but offers exactly what is should, a terrifying experience and only this makes the score an unforgettable purchase. It offers the most relaxing family music with the scariest choral chanting of them all. Goldsmith fans should cease the moment, and purchase the album because the only Oscar winning score isn't something that can't be missed when you look at your collection. Yet as of today there is the deluxe edition of The Omen which is of course a better recommendation then this one. See the overall excellent track more as the scary track because its nothing of easy listening. Its darn effective, and the way it supports the film music standard is brilliant. Goldsmith can not deliver just but the best music, he can scare the the living daylights out of you, like it was sent by the devil himself.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Ave Satani (2.32) Excellent Track

2. The New Ambassador (2.32)

3. Killer's Storm (2.52)

4. A Sad Message (1.42)

5. The Demise Of Mrs. Baylock (2.52) Excellent Track

6. Don't Let Him (2.46)

7. The Piper Dreams * (2.38)

8. The Fall (3.42) Excellent Track

9. Safari Park (2.04)

10. The Dog's Attack (5.51) Excellent Track

11. The Homecoming (2.45)

12. The Altar (2.02) Excellent Track

* Music by Jerry Goldsmith, Lyrics by Carol Heather, Sung by Carol Heather

Total Length: 35.12

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Jerry Goldsmith ===