This Forgotten, 1989 Wes Craven Heavy Metal Horror Movie Remains His Wildest Film

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This Forgotten, 1989 Wes Craven Heavy Metal Horror Movie Remains His Wildest Film

As a kid who grew up in the 80s with a knack for horror movies and heavy metal music, I can confidently say that Wes Craven‘s Shocker is a perfect blend of both worlds. I remember staying up late to watch scary movies on cable, and this one was always a favorite. The opening credits with The Dudes of Wrath performing the eponymous song still gives me chills, and it turns out they were no ordinary band – KISS’s Paul Stanley was part of the supergroup!

If you’re a fan of horror and heavy metal, especially from the 1980s – whether you lived through it or just share its spirit – you should definitely rewatch Wes Craven’s “Shocker” as Halloween draws near. And good news! It’s streaming on Peacock now!

The opening tune of the film, powerfully sung by The Dudes of Wrath with an energetic ’80s vibe reminiscent of KISS, provides an initial shock of what’s to come: A classic horror film by Craven that combines his talent for authentic frightening moments with a playful approach towards its subject matter, avoiding the overly serious tone often found in scary movies. If you’re not familiar with The Dudes of Wrath, they are one of many intriguing behind-the-scenes tales this movie has to offer, so let’s revisit them later on.

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This Forgotten, 1989 Wes Craven Heavy Metal Horror Movie Remains His Wildest Film

By 1989, Craven had already directed three films in the chilling “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series. The lesser-known “Shocker” slipped past the radar of horror movie enthusiasts that year, fitting snugly between his previous film, “The Serpent and the Rainbow” (1988), and “The People Under the Stairs” (1991) in Craven’s collection. In “Shocker”, a unique story unfolds about the vicious Horace Pinker, a serial killer condemned to die in the electric chair. Yet, at the very last moment before the switch is thrown, Pinker strikes a deal with Satan to cheat death, not by meeting his end but by being reborn… as pure electrical energy.

Wow, wasn’t that something? That audacity brought to life numerous terrifying 1980s horror tales, such as the murderous doll obsession in “Child’s Play” and the motorized chaos of “Maximum Overdrive.” However, apart from the amusingly absurd plotline of “Shocker,” it was the rocking soundtrack that truly tied the film’s outrageous premise to its electrifying horror atmosphere.

Let’s revisit The Dudes of Wrath: It’s plausible that the powerful opening theme tune of “Shocker” could make you think if KISS’s lead vocalist got lost in a horror flick, but don’t be misled – it’s not because you’re hearing two voices.

This Forgotten, 1989 Wes Craven Heavy Metal Horror Movie Remains His Wildest Film

KISS’s Paul Stanley fronted the Shocker supergroup 

In a unique assembly for the ’80s metal scene, none other than Paul Stanley of KISS led the extraordinary group known as The Dudes of Wrath. This band came together specifically to create tracks for the movie’s electrifying soundtrack called “Shocker.” Apart from Stanley on vocals, this ensemble included Alice Cooper, Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, guitar virtuoso Vivian Campbell, rocker Guy Mann-Dude, bassist Rudy Sarzo from Whitesnake, and Desmond Child, a prolific songwriter who contributed to numerous hit songs for artists such as Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi, KISS, and Aerosmith during the 1980s.

In the film Shocker, Peter Berg (known for The Rundown and Friday Night Lights) takes on the role of a small-town football hero, while Mitch Pileggi (The X-Files and Stargate Atlantis) portrays Horace Pinker. Unlike a typical high-intensity movie, Shocker doesn’t have nonstop heavy metal music. Instead, it strategically places its most intense musical moments in crucial scenes across the film. For instance, during a pivotal scene, the movie features a gritty rendition of Megadeth’s cover of Cooper’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” as they secure the murderous villain in the doomed electric chair. Additionally, there is a brief cameo by Cooper himself in a different part of the story.

Towards the climax of the movie, when chaos ensues and characters are jumping between TV displays to dodge (and apprehend) the enhanced villain, the Texas band Dangerous Toys join in with “Demon Bell (The Ballad of Horace Pinker)”, a custom-made song crafted for Craven’s twisted film vision. The complete soundtrack also includes Iggy Pop’s “Love Transfusion”, the rock group Saraya (who contributed the slow-tempo ballad “Timeless Love”), and as the credits roll, the delightfully corny “Sword and Stone” by German guitarists Bonfire, a song originally co-written by Paul Stanley for KISS’ Crazy Nights album.

In terms of its atmospheric similarities, the movie “Shocker” is more akin to Wes Craven’s ’80s “Elm Street” films rather than his later “Scream” series entries from the ’90s. The characters portrayed by Berg and Cooper, who plays his spiritually-departed girlfriend Allison, maintain a sincere and alert demeanor reminiscent of horror protagonists. On the other hand, Pileggi’s menacing antagonist exudes a single-minded malice, perfectly embodying the stereotypical yet entertaining aspects of ’80s horror cinema.

Although it may not aim for grand concepts, Shocker certainly doesn’t disappoint. Powered by its groovy soundtrack and capturing that quaint 80s small-town charm that eventually escalates into widespread terror, it’s Craven enjoying every bit of nostalgic sweetness found in a typical Halloween candy bucket. While it might not be the healthiest choice, you can bet that after finishing it, you’ll likely yearn for more of the same.

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2024-09-23 22:01