Predator 2

Alan Silvestri's powerful score for Predator was always meant as a jungle tribute, a private little war that came to life through the composer's unique display of jungle rhythms, eerie cries and tribal percussion. Who would have thought it would represent the urban streets of Los Angeles so well in Predator 2. Starring Danny Glover and Gary Busey, Alan Silvestri whops up another powerful entry in the Predator franchise. And especially powerful courtesy of this complete remastered 2 CD version of Varèse Sarabande. Whatever you thought of the short original one, forget you ever listened to it. Because Predator 2 has never sounded so bloody amazing.

Much of this credit goes to the re-mastering, because boy does it sound amazing. Play it big, play it loud. Every little detail of Alan Silvestri's score comes to life in this powerhouse package. From the opening "Welcome to the Jungle" to the power of "Chat" and the powerful danger theme in "Subway Predator". Where was the time that developing themes and danger motifs were used to make a scene grow in power and suspense? Well this is that time.

Another cool moment is the militaristic opening theme of Predator that returns in "Feds on the Case", as an ode to represent the heroes in this film. Another ode is the lonesome trumpet hymn in "Rest in Pieces" from the very same first film, interrupted by scary voices in the midst of the tribute.

Predator 2 sadly doesn't unleash new themes, but it's more the combination of all the returning ones in a slightly different presentation that makes it all so riveting. The trio "Subway Predator", "Tunnel Chase" and "This is History" are minutes packed with danger theme statements, raging musical sound effects and riveting brass, all there to powerhouse your listening experience.

Nothing changes in round 2. The same kind of tempo, the same kind of eerie sound design, the same kind of thrills. "Dem Bones" might be the purest example of all this combined. And now in excellent sound quality, it truly sends shivers down the bone. With the powerful "More Than One" and the astounding resume "Came so Close / End Credits" (fuck what a finale), you get a thrilling resolution of this truly thundering release. Predator 2 might not deliver much new, and especially not in this extended listen. But the power and thrills that are unleashed now in this sound quality are something of a rarity in today's music. Whatever you think of the first, there's an undeniable thrill that's coming your way once you start listening to this 2 CD release.

Predator 2 (1990 release) ***1/2
Predator 2 Deluxe Edition (2014 release) ****

CD 1: 49.10
1. Welcome to the Jungle (2.52)
2. Chat (2.02) Excellent track
3. Up on the Roof (3.27)
4. First Carnage (2.35)
5. Feds on the Case (0.44)
6. Swinging Rude Boys (5.33)
7. Last Person / Danny Gets It (4.30)
8. Stay Out Of my Way (0.31)
9. Mystery Dart (1.32)
10. Truly Dead (5.25) Excellent track
11. Kid Commando (0.34)
12. Rest in Pieces (1.36)
13. Subway Predator (5.22) Excellent track
14. Tunnel Chase (5.17) Excellent track
15. This is History (7.11)

CD 2: 55.45
1. Meat Locker (3.29)
2. Ugly Mother (3.40)
3. Birds (2.33)
4. The Doctor (3.44)
5. Elevator Shaft (1.45)
6. Dem Bones (4.29)
7. More Than One (2.34) Excellent track
8. Came So Close / End Credits (9.08) Excellent track

Bonus Tracks
9. Hardcore Logo (1.26)
10. Danny Gets It (Extended Album Mix) (4.29)
11. Tunnel Chase (Extended Album Mix) (4.20)
12. This Is History (Extended Album Mix) (5.17)
13. Dem Bones (Album Mix) (6.40)
14. Wild Predator Voices (2.11)