There were a few licensed songs on the original Saw's soundtrack, but it consisted mostly of
Charlie Clouser's clanking and inky proto-
industrial score. The remixer and occasional
NIN member's music was overdone, mysterious, tense, and capably chilling, just like the horror-camp of the film itself. The film was a surprise hit. That means a quickie sequel, and unfortunately a quickie soundtrack to go with it.
Clouser's contributions are reduced to one song (the suspenseful "Don't Forget the Rules") and a remix of
Marilyn Manson's "Irresponsible Hate Anthem." Otherwise, Saw II takes the usual Hollywood soundtrack tack, rounding up a rogue's gallery of one-offs and B-sides from bands that fit the thematic bill. That means tired alt-metal from
Mudvayne ("Forget to Remember"),
Sevendust ("Pieces"), and
the Used ("Sound Effects and Overdramatics"), as well as veterans of previous horror entry
soundtracks like
Bloodsimple (they were on House of Wax) and the
Tool side project
Puscifer (see Underworld). Instead of the creepy Rabies original listeners get a seven-year-old remix of
Skinny Puppy's "Rodent" that takes the generic power saw guitar route; meanwhile, Bay Area up-and-comers
Band of Pain have promise, but their "Holy" inevitably inserts
Soundgarden's "Spoonman" into your head. Saw II does have a few unique inclusions.
Revolting Cocks are always trashy fun, and "Caliente (Dark Entries)" delivers the goods.
UNKLE max the levels in
Queens of the Stone Age's "Burn the Witch," but the song retains its morbid slink. To bring it back to
Clouser, his remix of
Manson's "Irresponsible Hate Anthem" is strong too, a sticky, raw update of the Antichrist Superstar original. It's too bad Saw II doesn't have more of that risk-taking mentality. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
