When GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS comes stomping into theaters this weekend, fans of the legendary kaiju can look forward to enjoying the film's epic soundtrack alongside the action-adventure's menacing monster mash display. In charge of the score is Bear McCreary, the composer that's scored TV shows like BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, OUTLANDER, and the WALKING DEAD. In addition to his contributions to the small screen, McCreary has also lent his talents to creating memorable soundtracks for movies like 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE, HELL FEST, COLOSSAL, and both director Christopher Landon's HAPPY DEATH DAY and HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U.
Today, WaterTower Music has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of McCreary's score for GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (via EW), which includes performances by a full symphonic orchestra, a gathering of Japanese Buddhist monks, and McCreary's own version of the Blue Öyster Cult's "Godzilla" track, with special guest vocalist Serj Tankian of the band System of a Down.
“From the instant I was hired, I knew that I wanted to find a way to incorporate my favorite Blue Öyster Cult song, ‘Godzilla,’ into the film,” McCreary said of the classic rock anthem. “I collaborated with vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Brendon Small, and the rest of his Dethklok rhythm section, to create my own version of Buck Dharma’s beloved prog-rock classic. This track is perhaps the most audacious piece of music I have ever produced, jammed to the breaking point with orchestra, choir, taiko chanting, taiko drumming, heavy metal rhythm section, Gene Hoglan’s blistering double kick drums, and Serj’s distinct vocals. It is complete musical madness!”
In the above video, McCreary gives us an in-depth look at his music making process, as well as the many players and musicians who contributed to the film's most montrous tracks. Personally, I love listening to the sounds as they sync up with the kaiju's many actions. As you all know, a sub-par soundtrack can often break a film's immersion factor, though in the case of McCreary's opus, his arrangements sound as if placing they're fans at the dead center of all the action and drama. I've no doubt that moviegoers will feel the awesome power of McCreary's creativity as they witness the rise and fall of some of cinema's greatest titans of the silver sceen.
In addition to today's behind-the-scenes look at the making of the soundtrack for GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, Entertainment Weekly revealed that WaxWork Records is planning to unleash the soundtrack on deluxe triple LP, May 31.
Meanwhile, GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, as directed by Michael Dougherty and starring Millie Bobby Brown (Netflix's STRANGER THINGS), Kyle Chandler (THE WOLF OF WALL STREET), Vera Farmiga (THE CONJURING franchise), Bradley Whitford (GET OUT), Sally Hawkins (THE SHAPE OF WATER) Charles Dance (HBO’s GAME OF THRONES, LAST ACTION HERO), Thomas Middleditch (HBO's SILICON VALLEY), Aisha Hinds (STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS), O’Shea Jackson Jr. (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON), David Strathairn (GODZILLA), with Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (INCEPTION, THE LAST SAMURAI) and Golden Globe nominee Ziyi Zhang (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON), will arrive in theaters this Friday!
While you're waiting for the film to hit your local screens, be sure to check out our own Paul Shirey's full review of this film here.