Silva Screen Records releases Music From The Terminator Movies, by London Music Works, in digital format. The scores of each film are represented chronologically. It begins with Brad Fiedel’s pre-MIDI age synthesiser soundtracks for Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Marco Beltrami’s orchestral backdrop is represented for Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. The immensely experienced Danny Elfman produces music contrasting man and machine in Terminator: Salvation. Lorne Balfe attaches a mix of vintage synth and modern soundscapes for Terminator: Genisys. Tom Holkenborg (AKA Junkie XL) pays tribute to Brad Fiedel’s original score, updating and creating what is described as an organic electronic sound for Terminator: Dark Fate. The films explore the battle through time for the survival of the humans against the world-wide synthetic intelligence called Skynet. This Science fiction action film series was created by James Cameron (based on The Outer Limits episode 'Soldier', written by the great Harlan Ellison, in turn based on his short story Soldier From Tomorrow), and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton...

The London Music Works specialises in playing film and TV soundtracks. Previous releases include The Batman Trilogy, How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy, and The Transformer Movies. The complete track list for this release is: 'Main Title' (from The Terminator – originally composed by Brad Fiedel); 'Reese Dreams of Future War' (from The Terminator); 'Love Scene' (from The Terminator); 'Main Title' (from Terminator 2: Judgement Day); 'Escape From the Hospital' (from Terminator 2: Judgement Day); 'It’s Over' (from Terminator 2: Judgement Day); 'T3' (from Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines – originally composed by Marco Beltrami); 'Radio' (from Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines); 'The Terminator' (from Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines); 'Opening' (from Terminator: Salvation – originally composed by Danny Elfman); 'Farewell' (from Terminator: Salvation); 'Salvation' (from Terminator: Salvation); 'Fate and Hope' (from Terminator: Genisys – originally composed by Lorne Balfe); 'Sacrifice' (from Terminator: Genisys); 'Terminated' (from Terminator: Dark Fate – originally composed by Tom Holkenborg); 'My Name Is Dani' (from Terminator: Dark Fate); and 'Epilogue' (from Terminator: Dark Fate).

It's good to hear these themes again, particularly the early electronic scores. I would never have considered listening to this music independent of the films they have been written to enhance, before being handed this opportunity. James Cameron’s first sequel, Terminator 2: Judgement Day is perhaps the most iconic of the film series and so the most recognisable when it comes to the soundtrack. However, there’s plenty more to enjoy here, as the majority of these tracks are highly dramatic. Even the couple of retrospective examples are full-blown. I expected – as is so often the case with collections – to find one or two tracks which let the side down; however, this listing is kept short and thereby tight. You’ll be surprised how well this works as stand-alone music.

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Ty Power