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John Carpenter – Cathedral
Clash Magazine has given an 8/10 review to "Cathedral", a new instrumental score from filmmaker-turned-composer John Carpenter, created with regular collaborators Daniel Davies and Cody Carpenter. Unusually, the work accompanies a graphic novel rather than a film, marking a notable departure for Carpenter, who has scored numerous soundtracks since turning to music full-time in 2015. The reviewer praises it as one of the strongest releases of his career, ranking it alongside classics such as "Halloween" and "The Thing".
The graphic novel's story stems from a dream Carpenter had in 2024 about a decaying cathedral, a murder and an ancient evil, and the trio's score is described as heavier and more metal-influenced than any of Carpenter's previous work, driven by Davies's aggressive guitar work alongside Carpenter's trademark synths. The review highlights tracks including "Elevator", "Elevator Two" and "Revenge" for their cinematic intensity, and notes that, like Kid Koala's "Nufonia Must Fall", the release includes cues indicating which pages to read alongside specific passages of music.
In short
- John Carpenter releases "Cathedral", a score for a graphic novel, not a film.
- Made with Daniel Davies and Cody Carpenter; heavier, metal-tinged sound.
- Clash Magazine rates it 8/10, among Carpenter's best work.
Explained simply
John Carpenter is a filmmaker known for horror films such as Halloween and The Thing. He has also composed music for many of his films, often using synthesizers, and turned his attention to music full-time in 2015. His regular collaborators include his son Cody Carpenter and guitarist Daniel Davies.
Cathedral is a graphic novel, a story told through illustrations, rather than a film. Its premise came from a dream Carpenter had about a ruined cathedral, a murder and an ancient evil. The accompanying instrumental score is linked to the book, with cues showing which pages to read as the music plays.
The project brings together Carpenter’s film-making and musical work in a format that lets readers experience the story alongside its score. Its heavier guitar sound also gives the collaboration a different musical character from much of his earlier work.