Puppet Master: Evil Rises & Terminates

August 21, 2023

Intrada Records Announces 3-CD Premiere of all Three PUPPET MASTER AXIS Trilogy Scores by Richard Band

Sometimes referred as the Axis Trilogy, three titles appearing as ninth, tenth and eleventh films in highly successful horror franchise include:  PUPPET MASTER: AXIS OF EVIL, PUPPET MASTER: AXIS RISING and PUPPET MASTER: AXIS TERMINATION. Chapter 9 (AXIS OF EVIL, 2010) had music released previously but this set also introduces music from chapters 10 and 11. AXIS OF EVIL (2010) is directed by David DeCoteau, produced by Charles Band, with Levi Fiehler, Jenna Gallaher, Taylor Graham. At the height of WWII, following murder of PuppetMaster Toulon’s crate of puppets by Nazis, Danny Coogan finds himself in battles of his own. Upon kidnapping of his girlfriend, Danny jumps into action to stop the AXIS OF EVIL. AXIS RISING (2012) is directed and produced by Charles Band, with Kip Canyon, Jean Louise O’Sullivan, Oto Brezina. Following events of previous chapter, Danny becomes embroiled in assassination plots and further mayhem, with puppets working together to stop the Axis Rising. AXIS TERMINATION (2017) is directed and produced by Charles Band, with Kevin Scott Allen, Tania Fox, Allen Perada. To conclude the trilogy, Toulon’s puppets work to stop the Third Reich in the ultimate battle to save the world.

All three scores offer thematic unity, stylistic common ground, but each has unique musical traits as well. Band does utilize his now-familiar Puppet Master Waltz theme but judiciously, primarily as opening and closing titles to bind scores with all earlier installments. Due to the WWII setting, with locales including the Los Angeles Chinatown and a Japanese femme fatale, Band was also inspired to write some evocative material featuring shakuhachi accompanied by wood block percussion. And the Nazi element have considerable musical clout with sinister motifs of their own. AXIS RISING includes considerable militaristic percussion writing and a new “resurrection theme”; AXIS TERMINATION allows Band to contribute a degree of warmth and humanity in his scoring.

All three CDs are produced by Richard Band with mastering by Chris Malone. Featuring vivid, colorful packaging designed by Kay Marshall and informative booklet notes by Daniel Schweiger. Music composed, orchestrated and performed by Richard Band.

For more details see Intrada.

Watch the trailer for the most recent PUPPET MASTER AXIS film: