Album Review by Nigel A. Messenger
Billed as an original soundtrack album it’s worth noting that on the front of the CD sleeve it states – ‘music from and inspired by the motion picture’. Although at the time of writing this review I have not yet seen the press preview of the movie I suspect that as with many soundtrack albums some of the tracks only appear as snippets of music on the actual film soundtrack.
This said however, the QUEEN OF THE DAMNED album really should be considered as a very good various artists’ collection in its own right.
Creating a very dark heavy mood this collection of music featuring artists such as Marilyn Manson, Papa Roach, Deftones, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Jay Gordon of Orgy (I could go on) reflects the Vampire themed storyline in which legendary vampire Lestat (Stuart Townsend) has risen and reinvented himself as a rock star. Attracting the attention of the slumbering, ancient Queen Akasha (Aaliyah), she decides the time has come to rise again and seize world domination and that Lestat should rule beside her.
Vocals for Lestat’s character are provided by a number of the artists featured on the album.
As with all album collections every listener with no doubt have their own personal favourites and for me the outstanding track in this case has to be the last on the album, BEFORE I’M DEAD by Kidney Thieves. I hadn’t knowingly heard any of the bands music before but if this track is representative of their style they will immediately be elevated to one of my favourite artists.
