Insidious: Chapter 2 (soundtrack)

Lore & Background

In November 2012, James Wan announced that Joseph Bishara would score the music for the film. Bishara, a regular collaborator of Wan, had previously scored the predecessor. Bishara felt it important to find the right range and tone for the film to generate tension through sound. Like the predecessor, Bishara assembled a string quartet to write the score but developed numerous ideas that gave the film score a warped edge, contrasting with the classical feel of the first film. Wan was instrumental in the placement of string music with film editor Kirk Morri, who noted that 'silence can create a listening space, where rather than give you something else to listen to it enables you to hear things.'

Reader's Guide

The soundtrack for Insidious: Chapter 2 continues Joseph Bishara's collaboration with James Wan, building on the sonic language established in the first film. Bishara's use of a string quartet, combined with a warped edge, distinguishes this score from its predecessor while maintaining a cohesive series identity. The album was released digitally on September 15, 2013, and physically on October 8, 2013, through Void Recordings, Bishara's own label. Critical reception noted the score's effectiveness: Michael Gingold of Fangoria stated that the film was elevated by 'the application of composer Joseph Bishara's string-heavy musical stingers.' Scott Foundas of Variety and Justin Lowe of The Hollywood Reporter described the score as 'haunting' and 'eerie.' The Denver Post wrote that 'Joseph Bishara's piano-heavy score is appropriately menacing and ties into the plot in a subtle but meaningful way.' Kat Hughes of The Hollywood News remarked, 'As before it's the unnatural sounding score that will take you by surprise and you may find yourself out of your seat once or twice.' The album's significance lies in its role in shaping the horror atmosphere of the Insidious series through innovative string and piano work.

Did You Know?

• The score was composed by Joseph Bishara, who also scored the first Insidious film.
• Bishara assembled a string quartet for the score but gave it a warped edge contrasting with the classical feel of the first film.
• The soundtrack was released through Void Recordings, Bishara's own label.
• Additional songs in the film include 'Waiting For You' by Alan Ett and 'Piano Sonata in B-flat Minor, Op. 35, 3rd movement' by Frédéric Chopin.