Cool and deadly

The best soundtrack to a film never made

Punisher, Blade, We Took Pelham. Nope they're not names of films (okay, actually they are), they're the names of some of the tracks on Deadly Avenger's debut album from 2002, 'Deep Red'. Very much inspired by Hollywood's finest movies with a B (there's even a sample from The Crow in there somewhere), Deep Red is the finest soundtrack to a film never made.

You can picture the scenes each piece conjures up. 'We Took Pelham' is the opening salvo, introducing the titles and setting the scene. Think a gang 'tooling up' for one last big job, or the hero down but not out seeking redemption. It's unashamedly epic. 'Punisher' follows after a quick skit, raising the tempo once more. This is a manic car chase, a scramble for freedom, fleeing the authorities in the nick of time. And on it goes... 'The Quest part 1' takes it down a notch, a reflective moment for the audience to catch their breath before 'Blade' takes things down an oriental breakbeat path (training for the end battle perhaps?).

'Day One' takes a detour to a downtown bar, as funky and retro as a pimpin' police informant. 'Love Sounds' is the albums love scene, though it's definitely one that cuts to the moonlight shot before any naughtiness happens. The movie moods continue, from action to pause, cool to deadly as we build towards the big crescendo, the innocuously titled but truly epic 'Outro'. Without wanting to spoil the ending, I'm pretty sure the good guys win.

Then the credits roll and the lights go on. Just remember to give your 3D glasses back on the way out.