THE ICONIC MUSIC FROM PHANTASM
The music from the original PHANTASM is celebrated as having one of the most iconic horror movie themes of all time.
The action unfolds against the backdrop of an insidiously entrancing score created by composers Fred Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave. The composers conceived an astonishing, multi-textured sound, fully evocative of the film’s surreal mood.
The music for Phantasm was created using a menagerie of exotic percussion instruments including gongs, chimes, scraper sticks on cymbals, bells—almost the entire percussion section of a symphony orchestra. Recorded in a small Long Beach recording studio, owned by music producer/recordist Paul Ratajczak, the hypnotic Phantasm theme was performed by all three men, taking turns on synthesizer, Clavinet, Mellotron (utilizing both flute and the haunting voice tracks), electric piano, and even an antique upright piano.
Fun fact! The actor who played “Tommy”, Bill Cone (and who dies in the opening scene of Phantasm), contributed his virtuoso guitar skills to the score.
The music from Phantasm is a surreal blend of pulsing rhythms, alien textures, and abrupt shifts in mood, which reflect and underscore the bizarre images onscreen.
This was just the beginning. Their magnificent theme is an integral component of the worldwide success of Phantasm and its acclaimed sequels (w/ talented composer Christopher L. Stone taking over composing duties in the later sequels). The soundtrack has been released across the world in numerous formats delighting collectors and fans.
PHANTASM IN POPULAR MUSIC
Musicians and bands all across the world have referenced PHANTASM lyrically and musically in songs. (most without permission)
Here is a list of some favorites.
Metal stalwart’s Entombed pay tribute to the PHANTASM theme at the end of their song Left Hand Path.
Hip Hop legend Master P sampled the Phantasm theme in his 1997 track “Pass Me Da Green”
California Metal Band Three Sixes featured the Phantasm theme in their hit song “Lord of the Dead”. The track even features a killer rap by the one-and-only Reggie Bannister!
Rap group Mobb Deep used a Phantasm sample in their late 90s remix of “GOD Part 3”
American underground hip hop collective “Army Of The Pharohs” was inspired by Phantasm for their song “Headless Ritual”
Mobb Deep continued to sample the Phantasm theme this time on the track “There That Go”
Chicago rapper King Louie sampled the PHANTASM theme in his 2014 song Difference.
Thrash band Municipal Waste includes a line of dialogue from the original PHANTASM in this song.
And back in the day (1986) Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew recorded Play This Only At Night (Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM,)
SOME NOTABLE MUSICIANS WHO ARE PHANTASM FANS
ROB ZOMBIE
Musician and filmmaker Rob Zombie counts PHANTASM as one of his favorites and owns an original poster.
SNOOP DOGG
Snoop Dogg has said PHANTASM is his favorite horror film of all time! (watch the video below) Fun fact! Snoop grew up in Long Beach, CA where scenes from the original PHANTASM were filmed.
R.A. THE RUGGED MAN
Legendary Hip-Hop star R.A. The Rugged Man is a giant Phantasm-Phan and has hung out with the cast and crew. Watch his shout out video to Angus Scrimm below!
