Uncovering the Sounds of Horror: The Restoration of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s Iconic Score for Its Historic First Release

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre came out in 1974, surprising audiences like a sudden jolt. This film, though made on a low budget and with minimal gore, changed horror movies forever. Its haunting sound design and unusual score played a big role in this shift, complementing the raw storytelling and stark visuals. Despite its impact, the soundtrack was not officially released until now.

Waxwork Records has now released the score, carefully reconstructed from original recordings. It features a mix of eerie sounds—drones, clanks, and groans—that touch on various genres like industrial and dark ambient. Wayne Bell, who co-composed the music with director Tobe Hooper, says they aimed for the audience’s imagination to fill the gaps. “We loved the idea that our score tested the edge between sound and music,” he explains.

At just 21 years old, Bell was already seasoned in sound work. He had collaborated with Hooper on earlier projects and was raised in a musical household. His father played fiddle, and music filled their home. “Music is valuable. Your life is less without it,” Bell reflects, highlighting how sound became a crucial part of his life.

Bell met Hooper in 1969 and quickly became involved in film-making. His skills in sound recording caught Hooper’s attention during the production of Eggshells. When it came time for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Hooper faced budget constraints and proposed that they create the score themselves, leading to a creative solution.

Bell gathered various instruments and sounds—cymbals, a battered bass, and even toy instruments—to craft the score. They weren’t following any strict guidelines, instead allowing playfulness and creativity to lead them. “Abstraction would work for the film,” Bell notes. Despite the limited budget, the final film came together quickly, with only Hooper overseeing the sound mixing.

The new soundtrack is based on extensive original recordings. Bell felt the pressure to meet fans’ expectations for this release. Over his career, he worked on sound, composition, and voice work across film, TV, and radio, collaborating with notable names like Richard Linklater. Yet, he often finds himself remembered most for his work on The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a legacy he admits surprises him.

The original soundtrack is set to be released on March 7 by Waxwork Records.