The movie "Heavy Metal" (1981) is a Canadian adult animated science fantasy anthology film that features a notable soundtrack with songs by popular rock and heavy metal artists. The soundtrack includes tracks by Sammy Hagar, Blue Öyster Cult, Don Felder, Cheap Trick, Devo, Journey, Nazareth, Black Sabbath, and others. The film's theme song is "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)" by Don Felder. The soundtrack was originally released on LP in 1981 and reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. Notably, some songs appeared in the film but were not included on the soundtrack album due to legal reasons. Key soundtrack details:
- Includes "Heavy Metal" by Sammy Hagar and "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" by Blue Öyster Cult
- "The Mob Rules" by Black Sabbath appears as an alternate version
- Songs like "Through Being Cool" by Devo and "E5150" by Black Sabbath were in the film but omitted from the soundtrack album
- Soundtrack was released much later on CD due to legal issues surrounding song rights
- The score by Elmer Bernstein, which includes the use of the ondes Martenot, was released separately
The soundtrack is highly regarded and has achieved a cult following along with the film itself.
