The Matrix Reloaded: Soundtrack CD Review

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"The Matrix Reloaded: The Album (Warner Sunset / Maverick)

As was with the first film, "The Matrix Reloaded" looks to be loaded with some terrific rock'n'roll from some terrific rock'n'roll bands. The biggest difference, however, between the first film soundtrack and this new one is that - with "Matrix Reloaded" you more than get your money's worth. How's that for a first in the motion picture soundtrack arena?

"Matrix Reloaded' is a two disc set with the first disc containing songs by bands you probably know well. Linkin Park (whose atypical "Session" opens the CD), Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Deftones, P.O.D., Unloco, Rage Against the Machine and the Dave Matthews Band (?!) are all featured on this first CD.

The first CD is an interesting mix of balls-out metal (with various incursions into industrial territory) and lighter, though still solid fare. Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson both succeed quite nicely in the metal / industrial area, with Manson's "This Is the New Shit" boding well for his new CD and with Zombie's "Reload" the kind of music you hope to see set to a big fight sequence in the film set. Linkin Park's "Session" and Rob Dougan's "Furious Angels" stands out amongst the other recordings, all of which are solid numbers.

Disc 2 is the kind of CD you usually have to buy separately. It's a collection of the film's "score" with three tracks (including a 17-minute suite) by Don Davis, three tracks by Juno Reactor (who gave the first film so much of its original vibe) and another track by Rob Dougan.

Whether or not you need this CD in your collection is answered easily enough. If you love "The Matrix," its first soundtrack or any of the artists hereon (especially Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie or June Reactor), you're gonna want this CD.

If that's not enough, the CD also includes previews from "The Matrix Reloaded," "The Final Flight of the Osiris" and "The Animatrix" as well as a documentary on the making of the "Enter the Matrix" video game.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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