Ghosts of Mars (soundtrack)

The Ghosts of Mars soundtrack is the musical accompaniment to John Carpenter's 2001 science fiction horror film Ghosts of Mars. Released concurrently with the film, the soundtrack features a blend of heavy metal and industrial music, predominantly composed and performed by John Carpenter himself, in collaboration with Anthrax, Buckethead, and Steve Vai.

The music serves as a significant element in the film's atmosphere, reinforcing its dystopian and action-oriented themes. Unlike Carpenter's earlier, more synthesized scores, the Ghosts of Mars soundtrack is characterized by its aggressive guitar riffs, driving percussion, and overall heavier sound. This was intended to reflect the brutal and chaotic environment depicted in the film.

The soundtrack is primarily instrumental, with occasional vocal contributions. It typically includes a variety of musical styles that intertwine, creating a sonic landscape that echoes the movie's mix of genres. The album has received mixed critical reception, with some praising its intensity and effectiveness within the film, while others found it repetitive or lacking the subtlety of Carpenter's previous scores. Despite varying opinions, the Ghosts of Mars soundtrack remains a notable entry in John Carpenter's extensive film music discography, representing a distinctive departure into a more aggressive and contemporary sound.