Assault on Precinct 13
John Carpenter · 2003
25 min · 16 tracks
An evocative blend of tension-filled synths and pulsating rhythms that captures the essence of urban dread and survival.
Top tracks — play these first
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Main Title Start here — The opening track sets an ominous tone with its haunting synth melody, instantly recognizable and emblematic of Carpenter's signature style.
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Street Thunder — This track encapsulates urban chaos through its fast-paced tempo and driving beats, embodying the film's relentless tension and sense of urgency.
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Assault on Precinct 13 — The titular piece combines eerie harmonies with rhythmic intensity, serving as a thrilling climax that mirrors the escalating conflict within the narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album effectively combines minimalist synths and rhythmic tension, showcasing Carpenter's signature style.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of synthesizers, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the tracks.
- Many tracks are built around repetitive motifs that evolve gradually, enhancing the sense of urgency.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of tension
- cinematic atmosphere for focus
- in-order listening experience
- pulsating energy throughout
- frantic urgency in progression
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, expansive albums
- seek melodic, lyrical content
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Revives Carpenter's themes, influencing horror and action film scoring.
- Themes
- relentless tension· nighttime chaos
- Career context
- By the time 'Assault on Precinct 13' was released in 2003, John Carpenter had already established himself as a pioneering filmmaker and composer known for his distinct soundtracks. This album marked a return to his roots, revisiting the score he originally composed for his 1976 film, reflecting a matured style while maintaining the raw energy that defined his earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tangerine Dream· Vangelis· Kraftwerk
Tracklist
- 1 Main Title Start here 3:33
- 2 Napoleon Wilson 0:53
- 3 Street Thunder 1:26
- 4 Division 13 1:05
- 5 Ice Cream Man on Edge 3:08
- 6 Wrong Flavour 2:05
- 7 Emergency Stop 0:58
- 8 Lawson's Revenge 1:02
- 9 Sanctuary? 1:05
- 10 Second Wave 0:29
- 11 The Windows! 2:02
- 12 Julie 1:54
- 13 Wells' Flight 1:42
- 14 To the Basement 1:08
- 15 Walking Out 0:36
- 16 Assault on Precinct 13 2:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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