A version of this article was originally published on THUMP.Ever since the dawn of mass-produced commercial synthesizers a little over half a century ago, electronic music has been intertwined with the history of horror films. While experimental composers, psychedelics enthusiasts, and dancefloor destroyers were busy figuring out the boundless possibilities of electronic instrumentation, the film industry saw this new technology as a practical way to soundtrack its pulpier, more cheaply-made productions. Rather than hire a whole cast of musicians and composers, the invention allowed them to churn out affordable musical accompaniment made by a solo composer, or in many cases, the film's directors themselves.
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Both because of this functional consideration and the unlimited possibilities that the instruments offered, synth compositions became a go-to source for striking fear in the hearts of motion picture audiences over the course of 70s and 80s, and sparked a fated relationship between electronic music and genre films that lasts even to this day. As a new crew of nostalgists operating both inside and outside the film industry take influence from the genre's classic square wave savagery, there seems no better time than now to look back on the music that's sprung out of horror movie soundtracks over the last few decades, from sauntering, sulky funk music to interstellar ambience to crushing industrial terror. So as an early Halloween treat, THUMP has compiled the 31 best horror scores composed on electronic instruments.
31. The Dentist (1996)
30. You're Next (2011)
29. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
28. Forbidden World (1982)
27. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)
26. The Boogeyman (1980)
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25. Runaway (1984)
24. The Severed Arm (1973)
23. We Are Still Here (2015)
22. Starry Eyes (2014)
21. Shock Waves (1977)
20. Deathdream (1972)
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19. Demons (1985)
18. Xtro (1983)
17. Videodrome (1983)
16. It Follows (2014)
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15. Zombie Flesh Eaters (1979)
14. Razorback (1984)
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13. Possession (1981)
12. Candyman (1992)
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11. The Legend of Hell House (1973)
10. Angst (1983)
9. Phantasm (1979)
8. Maniac (2012)
7. The Fog (1980)
6. Chopping Mall (1986)
5. Under the Skin (2014)
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