SOUNDTRACK

Most modern Hollywood films have musical 'temp tracks' laid in as they're edited, usually classical standards or music from other soundtracks that helps shape the dramatic and emotional intentions of works in progress. Sometimes these temp tracks become the score, but more often they serve as a template for the film's eventual scorer. Credit Hans Zimmer for taking 'Mars, the Bringer of War' and hammering its familiar harmonic and rhythmic Sturm und Drang into something serviceably fresh; cohort Lisa Gerrard generally handles the more ethereal, atmospheric passages. As epic in scope as its thematic inspiration (and with enough occasional nods to 'authenticity' to make it work), this is nonetheless a work of often surprising nuances, and one that recasts the traditional heroic orchestral score in deliciously dark and ominous tones. Warning: repeated listening may inspire the invasion of neighboring countries.

Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.