The original Heavy Metal is yet another cult classic. Well, certainly a cult film that was described in one review as being a teenage wet dream of a movie. I can only assume that the scantily clad women (animated though they are) give it the cult status it now has. Along with the heavy metal itself, the original was scored by the somewhat unusual choice of Elmer Bernstein. His music hasn't been release as far as I know, but the love theme is very similar to his main theme to Frankie Starlight and consequently quite beautiful. This (apparently long overdue) sequel is scored by Frederic Talgorn who some might recognise as being the conductor for several of Varese's re-recordings and compilations, but is also a composer in his own right.
The nature of the film, as it does, featuring heavy metal music means that the orchestral underscore functions somewhat as filler in between and consequently Talgorn's music is a little hit and miss. The opening couple of tracks aren't terribly interesting, but there are a few flickers of excitement and romance. The quite lovely Julie and Kerrie being a particular highlight early on. A little extra colour is added with a high soprano soloist toward the end of the extended Julie's Journey.
As I said, the way the film is scored with heavy metal as well as orchestral underscore means that many of the cues act as transitions rather than being the centre of attention. During the lengthy cues, the potential of the music comes to fruition with the aforementioned Julie's Journey and the thrilling Tyler's Rage containing some splendid orchestral writing. Unfortunately, the shorter cues often don't do much or have any impact and detract somewhat from the final effect. However, there are probably enough good moments to please genre fans, although I probably won't be satisfied until I'm in possession of Bernstein's original.
Rating ~ Total Time ~ 41:53