EXCLUSIVE: 'Prisoners of the Ghostland' Score Track by Joseph Trapanese • Vehlinggo

Sion Sono’s Nicolas Cage-starring Prisoners of the Ghostland is getting some rave reviews for its stunning visuals and compelling story, and complementing all of that is the inimitable Joseph Trapanese’s outstanding score. Today, Vehlinggo is pleased to bring you an exclusive listen to “Psycho,” a stirring cue from the soundtrack, which Milan Records releases tomorrow.

Trapanese, notable for his work with Daft Punk on Tron: Legacy and M83 on Oblivion, in addition to his scores for Straight Outta Compton and work on The Greatest Showman, among many other films, and TV shows and video games, said in a statement that he sees his score for Prisoners of the Ghostland as a “love letter to my favorite films and music.”

“You’ll hear clear influences from Spaghetti Westerns and classic sci-fi, as well as from traditional Japanese music, Baroque Sarabande, and French Impressionism,” Trapanese, the co-founder of The Echo Society, said. “For me, the collision of these musical styles with Nicolas’ expressive performance and Sion Sono’s beautiful images is the most gratifying result of the film. What I love most about Sono-san’s work is that regardless of how dark, violent, or unconventional it may be, there is a clear, effusive, and vibrant joy for filmmaking. One cannot watch a Sion Sono film without being infected by his inventiveness, and I’m honored to have experienced his artistry firsthand. I’m thrilled to be sharing this music with you.”

“Psycho” certainly follows that framework, delivering an ominous but colorful array of foreboding through the use of haunting strings, triumphant horn blasts, and enchanting choral chants — all glued together with targeted but powerful percussion. The cue is an epic journey in and of itself as it takes you through a cascade of emotion. Well done, Mr. Trapanese and team!

You can experience the Milan Records-released Prisoners of the Ghostland (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) tomorrow via the usual download and streaming platforms. Waxwork Records will put out a vinyl version. The film releases in movie theatres and VOD tomorrow, too, from RLJE Films.

Joseph Trapanese. Photo by Tim Navis.

About Prisoners of the Ghostland

In the treacherous frontier city of Samurai Town, a wealthy warlord named The Governor springs a ruthless bank robber from jail. The Governor’s adopted granddaughter has run away and it’s up to the robber to track her down. Strapped in a leather suit that will self-destruct within five days if he doesn’t find the missing girl, the bandit sets off on a journey to find the young woman — and his own path to redemption. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Sofia Boutella, Bill Moseley, Nick Cassavetes, and Tak Sakaaguchi.