The Alchemist (1985) - Soundtrack Collection

This Signature Edition release was partnered with Band's equally wonderful score for Zone Troopers, which was also released in 1985. But that is a subject for when, or if, I ever make it to the end of the alphabet.

Although The Alchemist was released in 1985, it had been filmed in 1981 and sat on a shelf for four whole years. Why was that? Well, based on all that I have seen, heard, and read about the film, it was terrible.

What is not terrible, however, is Richard Band's score, which the liner notes for this release describe as elegant and beautiful. I agree. Which marks this catalogue entry as the first of many examples on an excellent score having been composed for a less than excellent film.

In the liner notes Band says he wanted his music "to invoke not only a sense of sadness and resignation but also mystical love, beauty, retribution, and finality." It does.