Colin Stetson
Hereditary (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

2023 2LP gold vinyl in gatefold. Colin Stetson’s “Hereditary (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” was released in 2018 to accompany Ari Aster’s acclaimed debut horror film. Stetson, known for his experimental, avant-garde saxophone compositions, was approached to score the film due to his ability to evoke powerful emotions through unconventional soundscapes. Rather than relying on traditional orchestral motifs common in horror, Stetson crafted a sound world built on layered woodwinds, throbbing electronics, and extended instrumental techniques. The result is a haunting, claustrophobic musical atmosphere that contributes significantly to the film’s pervasive sense of dread and psychological unease.

Stetson’s soundtrack received critical praise for its originality and its role in amplifying the film’s disturbing emotional intensity. The music’s relentless, suffocating textures mirror the unfolding trauma of the film’s narrative, often blurring the line between diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Many listeners noted that Stetson’s score operates almost as an additional character in the film, heightening tension without resorting to typical jump-scare cues. The album stands as a landmark in contemporary horror soundtracks, underscoring Stetson’s reputation as an innovative composer who expands the possibilities of film music beyond conventional genre expectations.