JOHN CARPENTER-HELMED “FIRESTARTER” ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK TO RELEASE MAY 13

There are few so versatile creators in the filmmaking industry as John Carpenter. His movies have been a staple of cult horror and science-fiction since the late 1970’s not just for their artful direction, groundbreaking special effects or Hitchcockian tension, but also for the music — which Carpenter almost always has a hand in composing. To have a new Carpenter score released today is no small gift. Thankfully, fans can look forward to his collaboration with Daniel Davies and Cody Carpenter on the upcoming Firestarter original motion picture soundtrack, due to be released May 13.

Carpenter has worked with Davies and his son, Cody, several times before, specifically for the Halloween series. Both alone and in collaboration with others, there is always a visceral, tense, kick-ass style to Carpenter’s compositions — full of otherworldly synths, driving beats and repeated refrains that effortlessly send a tingle down one’s spine. Representatives from Back Lot Records promise that the soundtrack will have all the elements of a typical Carpenter score, only heightened by the talents of Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies:

“The ‘Firestarter’ soundtrack utilizes some of the best elements of Carpenter’s famous musical repertoire and charts exciting new territory. The tracks range from fist pumping sci-fi anthems to slow reverb drenched piano ballads and each utilizes a variety of sonic applications. Skulking beats, skittering synths, crushing guitars and an ever-lurking echo come together to create an album that is atmospheric and also deeply melodic, cohesive and eclectic. These three musicians are all working at the peak of their individual and collaborative creativity and this soundtrack further solidifies them as masters of the craft.“

While he does not direct the reboot of this classic Stephen King story, Firestarter aims to have Carpenter and co.’s distinct sound haunt viewers and listeners through the entire film. Now in his mid-70’s and showing no signs of slowing down, Carpenter is sure to deliver yet another soundtrack that will linger long after the final note has played.

The Firestarter original motion picture soundtrack will release digital-only on May 13 via Back Lot Music — the same day as the in-theatre and digital release of the eponymous film. Physical LP, CD and cassette copies of the soundtrack are forthcoming from Sacred Bones Records on October 14. If you want your John Carpenter fix early, you can listen to the “End Titles” for Firestarter below!