Queen of the Damned (Clean)
Befitting the film's hip goth vibe, its accompanying soundtrack is suitably dark and sexy, with a strong mix of new songs and nü-metal hits. In an interesting move,Kornfrontman Jonathan Davis collaborated with composer (and formerOingo Boingokeyboardist) Richard Gibbs on 5 of the CD's 14 tracks, though Davis doesn't sing his songs. Instead, taking those duties areStatic-X's Wayne Static on "Not Meant for Me,"Disturbed's David Draiman on "Forsaken,"Linkin Park's Chester Bennington on "System,"Marilyn Mansonon "Redeemer," andOrgy's Jay Gordon on "Slept So Long." Most of the Davis-Gibbs collaborations are akin to more atmospheric, dramatic Korn tunes, lent a distinctive personality by each singer, with Manson's being the creepiest-coolest and most aggressive entry. While these adroit alliances make the soundtrack a must-have for each of the band's fans (not to mention the Korn faithful), the previously released cuts are also winners.Deftones' creepy "Change,"Papa Roach's angry "Dead Cell," and Disturbed's memorable rage "Down with the Sickness"--in addition to lesser-known, but sinister and titillating offerings fromGodhead,Kidney Thieves, Earshot,Tricky, and others--are all worth the price of admission to this "damned" stellar soundtrack.--Katherine Turman