Unearthing the Score: Octobersongs Records Releases Joseph Conlan’s Original Soundtrack for Tobe Hooper’s Mortuary

In a long-awaited development for horror enthusiasts and collectors of cult cinema scores, Octobersongs Records has officially released the original motion picture soundtrack for the 2005 zombie-horror feature Mortuary. Directed by the legendary master of horror Tobe Hooper, the film—which gained a devoted following in the mid-2000s—is now accompanied by a definitive digital album featuring the atmospheric and chilling score composed by veteran industry craftsman Joseph Conlan.

The release marks a significant moment for fans of the late Tobe Hooper, whose filmography remains a cornerstone of the horror genre. With this release, listeners can finally revisit the auditory landscape of the Fowler family’s ill-fated venture into a rural funeral home, complete with all the tension, dread, and supernatural undertones that Conlan masterfully wove into the film’s narrative.

The Genesis of a Cult Classic

The film Mortuary first emerged during a transitional period for horror cinema. Released in 2005 and premiering at the prestigious New York City Horror Film Festival, the movie attempted to revitalize the classic zombie trope through the lens of a psychological and supernatural thriller. Starring Dan Byrd, Alexandra Adi, Denise Crosby, Bug Hall, and Courtney Peldon, the story centers on the Fowler family, who relocate to a secluded rural town to assume ownership of an abandoned mortuary.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the structure holds dark secrets, rumors of hauntings, and a malevolent force that threatens to consume the family. Tobe Hooper, the visionary behind The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist, brought his signature sensibilities to Mortuary, balancing claustrophobic dread with the visceral, high-stakes terror for which he was renowned.

A Composer’s Journey: Joseph Conlan

At the heart of the film’s chilling atmosphere is the work of Joseph Conlan. Conlan, an established figure in the world of television and film scoring, has built a career defined by versatility and an uncanny ability to heighten tension through nuanced musical choices. Known for his work on high-profile projects such as NCIS, Spiders 3D, Toolbox Murders, and Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia, Conlan was the ideal choice for Hooper’s vision.

In Mortuary, Conlan eschewed traditional bombastic horror tropes in favor of a more methodical, unsettling approach. His score reflects the decaying, morose environment of the funeral home, using subtle sound design and sharp melodic stings to mimic the encroaching threat of the undead. This digital release captures the full arc of the film, from the initial, eerie curiosity of the Fowlers to the chaotic, terrifying climax in the depths of the mortuary.

Chronology of a Release

The journey to this digital soundtrack release has been nearly two decades in the making.

• 2005: Mortuary premieres at the New York City Horror Film Festival.
• 2006: The film receives a limited theatrical release, finding a niche audience in the burgeoning direct-to-video and indie horror market.
• Post-2006: The film remains a staple on home media, available via DVD and later Blu-ray, and eventually finds a permanent home on platforms like Prime Video.
• September 2026: Octobersongs Records formally announces the release of the official soundtrack, providing fans with access to the complete score across all major digital streaming and download platforms.

This release fills a void in the discography of Tobe Hooper’s later career, ensuring that Conlan’s contributions are preserved and accessible for future generations of horror scholars and film music enthusiasts.

Supporting Data: The Anatomy of the Score

The album consists of 17 distinct tracks, ranging from short, ambient interludes to expansive, complex suites that capture the film’s most intense sequences.

Track List Breakdown:

1. Mortuary (Main Title) (2:56) – The iconic opening theme that establishes the film’s tone.
2. Entering the House (0:53) – A brief, ominous cue signaling the beginning of the nightmare.
3. Jamie’s Curiosity (1:20) – A track that highlights the film’s investigation of the supernatural.
4. Bobby F (0:58) – A character-focused piece.
5. Something’s Moving (2:18) – A masterclass in building tension.
6. Playing in the Yard (1:02) – Contrastingly innocent, yet underscored with dread.
7. That Which Is Dead (2:17) – The introduction of the film’s primary antagonists.
8. The Fowler Story (1:36) – Exploring the tragic backstory of the film’s protagonists.
9. No Lesson Tomorrow (1:46) – Building the narrative stakes.
10. Trouble in the Office (2:08) – A mid-film escalation of conflict.
11. He’s in My Room (1:54) – A moment of intense isolation and fear.
12. Gimme the Usual (2:19) – A departure into the darker, more grotesque elements of the story.
13. Gotcha Some Croakers (1:25) – Foreshadowing the film’s climax.
14. Life at the Fowler’s (0:18) – A brief, fleeting moment of normalcy.
15. Dead Piano Teacher Walking (0:40) – A signature Hooper-esque touch of morbid dark humor.
16. The Well (6:05) – A lengthy, epic sequence representing the film’s finale.
17. Mortuary (End Credits) (5:47) – A comprehensive suite summarizing the themes of the movie.

Official Perspectives and Composer Intent

In discussions regarding the score, Joseph Conlan has previously noted the difficulty of scoring horror films that rely on both practical effects and psychological unease. By working with Tobe Hooper, Conlan was encouraged to embrace silence as much as sound. The score is not merely a collection of notes; it is a structural element of the film’s architecture.

The inclusion of the "Main Title" and the final track, "Mortuary," as supplemental content allows listeners to appreciate the bookends of the film—the initial mystery and the final, crushing reality of the Fowlers’ situation. The soundtrack is now widely available via Amazon and other digital services, marking a milestone for Octobersongs Records in their mission to archive significant, under-represented film scores.

Implications for the Horror Genre

The release of the Mortuary soundtrack has broader implications for the preservation of film history. In the digital age, many mid-budget horror films from the early 2000s risk being forgotten as physical media becomes increasingly rare. By digitizing and releasing scores like Conlan’s, labels are ensuring that the artistic contributions of composers, cinematographers, and directors like Tobe Hooper are not lost to time.

Furthermore, this release serves as a case study for the value of independent horror scores. Often, scores for these films are relegated to secondary status, yet they are the primary drivers of the viewer’s emotional response. The Mortuary soundtrack demonstrates that even two decades later, there is a robust market for high-quality horror music that prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling over commercial pop sensibilities.

Accessibility and Availability

Fans and collectors interested in the work of Joseph Conlan can now stream or purchase the album via Amazon. The film itself remains available for those wishing to re-experience the synergy between the visuals and the music, with the movie currently streaming on Prime Video and available in physical formats via Blu-ray and DVD.

As we look back at the career of Tobe Hooper, it is through efforts like this—the preservation of his sonic identity—that we gain a deeper appreciation for the craft involved in making horror cinema a truly immersive experience. Whether you are a longtime fan of Mortuary or a newcomer to the work of Joseph Conlan, this soundtrack provides an essential listening experience for anyone who appreciates the dark, complex, and beautiful art of film composition.