THE UNRELEASED THEMES FOR HELLRAISER

Recorded in 1986 for Clive Barker's 'Hellraiser' film, this EP failed to get past the film company directors on the assumption that it was too distressing for a mainstream audience. In the end they opted for the usual run of the mill orchestral score which did little to enhance the film. Sadly Coil were shot down in flames ending their only chance at making it big.

Sporting one of the best sleeves of all time with an angel/skull - life/death painting, these tracks are of good quality which would have added enormously to a sadly dated and cheesy movie. Of particular note is 'Box Theme' which has a super scary music box played amidst an almost John Carpenter 'Halloween' type score. It's music from the graveyard where grisly maggot ridden hands claw their way from beneath the earth.

Alternating between sleazy horror with the use of strings, queasy synths and the odd military timpani drum it paints a picture of post nuclear doom. Occasional throbbing, repetitive bass lines add a portent of impending disaster. Stabbing treated piano only adds to the overall malaise. Despite it's paltry 20 minute running time, it hits all the right buttons. It's therefore something of a travesty that it was rejected from the outset. A sad loss, but a small gem within the Coil catalogue.