Soundtrack Review: The Shrine (2010)

The Shrine Soundtrack Review: This is a review of the film score The Shrine by Ryan Shore.

"I had big anticipation for this score, but it just doesn't deliver."

A group of young journalists investigate a cult said to practice human sacrifice. So says the description of this film. Nothing new, but for horror fans it's a must-see film. Directed by Jon Knautz who yet again turn to composer Ryan Shore to score this film. The last time they collaborated, it was for the 2007 film Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer.

Track List

The Shrine is yet another release from Screamworks Records who quickly is becoming one of my favorite soundtrack labels out there. I love horror scores so with every release, there's instant anticipation that comes along with it.

With great anticipation comes great responsibility.

The Shrine comes across like a decent horror scores, but it lacks a lot to be truly great. There's no cue that truly stands out as being a great emotional experience. Most of the cues seems to hold back. Cues like 'The Chase' for example must be a terribly boring chase. My pulse never went above 60 for that one. Nice and Relaxing...

Relaxing is not something I want too much of in horror scores.

'Hunted in the Lodge' has some potential. It slightly excites me with it's banging percussion and tense buildup. However, the buildup doesn't give me the satisfaction I need to call it a truly top track. 'Henryk Chases Marcus' shares the same feeling of tense buildup that doesn't go anywhere in the end.

Conclusion

I had big anticipation for this score, but it just doesn't deliver. It works as a more relaxing score, perhaps to a thriller. As a horror score I want to be scared or excited or emotional, preferably all of the above. That didn't happen with The Shrine. The sheer quality of the score, the sound of it is pretty good, it just lacks momentum.

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Listen to the The Shrine soundtrack by Ryan Shore below: