Invasion of Astro-Monster, 1965 (Also: Monster Zero, 怪獣大戦争, "Great Monster War")
This was the first Godzilla film in which aliens have a strong presence (as opposed to gangsters, foreign assassins or commercial entrepreneurs). For this reason Ifukube was able to incorporate even more interesting textures. In addition to the kaiju (giant monster) themes returning from Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster (Ghidorah theme with tail, Rodan theme, Terror motif, Resurrection theme), Ifukube added the Monster fanfare (a stinger similar to the Monster cadence from Mothra vs Godzilla) and a new Monster Control theme. The humans were assigned a new Monster Zero March, and the alien Xiliens were portrayed with suspense textures based on a Planet X motif and an exotic 7-note Xilien theme, both often making use of high string noises (sul ponticello), alto flute, xylophone, vibraphone, "wobbly" synth-like tones and muted brass.
The score to Invasion of Astro-Monster has seen several releases over the years. The below table is based on the main score tracks from the Godzilla Perfect Box 2, Disc 1, which also includes 10 bonus tracks at the end (an alternate take and various takes of source music).
| Trk | Dur | Title | Film Sequence |
| 1 | 1:48 | Main Title (M1) |
Logos, stills of spaceships,
radar dishes, text explaining the appearance of Planet X. Monster fanfare, Monster Zero March. |
| 2 | 0:40 | The P1 And Jupiter (M4) |
The P1 approaches Planet X. Suspense texture with high string noises under Planet X motif on alto flute/piano, becoming Xilien theme developed on tremolo strings/organ/wobbly high tone. |
| 3 | 1:07 | The P1 Descends (M5) | The P1 lands. Suspense texture with Xilien theme and variations on piano/xylophone, tremolo strings/xylophone, low piano, tremolo strings, brass figures, xylophone, tremolo strings. |
| 4 | 3:25 | The Mystery Of Planet X (M6) |
0:00: Astronauts Fuji and
Glenn explore the area and plant a flag. Suspense texture with piano ornament, high string noises into Planet X motif on piano/vibraphone/wobbly high tones, tremolo strings becoming Xilien theme, low piano, Xilien theme in oboe, developed on alto flute/tremolo strings, violins, repeat. 2:25: Fuji discovers footprints. Glenn's signal is lost and the ship disappears. Low falling piano accents, strings, vibraphone/synth tones, Planet X motif variation on alto flute, developed on tremolo strings/piano/bass/vibraphone/high string noises. |
| 5 | 1:10 | The Underground Passage (S) (M7) |
Fuji is instructed to follow an
underground passageway. He finds
Glenn. Low piano accents/alto flute Planet X motif, joined by dialogue of xylophone, muted trumpet accents, Planet X motif in bass clarinet/piano, cymbal, etc. |
| 6 | 1:32 | Monster Zero (M8) |
King Ghidorah attacks the planet
surface. Ghidorah theme with tail. |
| 7 | 0:13 | The P1 Returns Home (M9) |
A newspaper headline announces
the P1's return. Fanfare. |
| 8 | 0:35 | Washigasawa And Lake Myoujinko (M10) |
Military forces are seen in the
countryside looking for Rodan and Godzilla. Horn call joined by "mission" strings/drums in triplet rhythm. |
| 9 | 0:13 | Godzilla At The Bottom Of The
Lake (M11) |
Radioactivity is detected, and a
newspaper headline announces that the alien Xiliens' prediction about Godzilla was correct. Monster Control theme fragment in low brass/strings. |
| 10 | 1:17 | Appearance Of The Disc (M12) |
Three Xilien saucers rise from the
bottom of the lake and hover in the air. Low piano rumbling joined by Monster Control theme on low winds/plucked bass/violins, leading to dramatic variation of Planet X motif in brass dialogues, joined by timpani and ending with tremolo strings/synth. |
| 11 | 1:55 | The Electromagnetic Capsule (M13) |
0:00: One of the saucers fishes
Godzilla out of the water and holds him in a force bubble. Planet X motif in vibraphone/synth, Xilien theme strings/brass, Monster Control theme in brass/strings, held texture with building layers. 0:50: Another saucer excavates a dormant Rodan from a cliff face and holds him in a force bubble as well. Planet X motif in vibraphone/synth, Xilien theme in strings/brass, Rodan theme in low brass/strings/synth, held texture, Planet X motif/Xilien theme in flute/vibraphone/synth. |
| 12 | 1:04 | Back To Planet X (M14) |
The three saucers leave Earth
with Godzilla and Rodan as well as some scientists. Melancholy brass/muted trumpet variations of Xilien theme, flute/high string noise/synth/piano rhythm, Planet X motif and fragments of Monster Control theme in synth and low winds. |
| 13 | 0:38 | Arrival At Planet X (M15) |
The saucer carrying the
scientists docks underground in order to safely monitor the surface. Reprise/retrack of Track 2: suspense texture with high string noises under Planet X motif on alto flute/piano, becoming Xilien theme developed on tremolo strings/organ/wobbly high tone. |
| 14 | 2:28 | The 3 Monsters On Planet X (M16) |
Ghidorah approaches. Godzilla and Rodan are unfrozen and
released. Ghidorah attacks with
lightning breath. Godzilla and Rodan
retaliate with rocks. After Godzilla
tackles Ghidorah, Ghidorah flees.
Godzilla does an odd dance. Monster fanfare, Ghidorah theme with tail, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents. |
| 15 | 1:27 | Namikawa On Planet X (M17) |
When Fuji and Glenn go exploring
on their own, they discover gold, as well as duplicates of Glenn's girlfriend
from Earth, Miss Namikawa. They are
arrested by the Xiliens. Reprise of Track 4: suspense texture with piano ornament, high string noises into Planet X motif on piano/vibraphone/wobbly high tones, tremolo strings becoming Xilien theme, low piano, Xilien theme in oboe, developed on alto flute/tremolo strings, violins, brief repeat. |
| 16 | 1:09 | Leaving Planet X (M18 T2) |
Fuji and Glenn leave Planet X in
a duplicate P1, leaving Godzilla and Rodan behind. Farewell theme on low brass, cor anglais, strings, low brass, muted trumpet. |
| 17 | 0:45 | The Earth In Utter Chaos (M19) |
Headlines describe Earth in a
panic after the ultimatum from the Xiliens is revealed. Piano in triplet rhythm with urgent brass figures. |
| 18 | 0:55 | Monster Control I (M20) |
Godzilla and Rodan are
instructed to attack the Earth. Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents. |
| 19 | 1:24 | Monster Control II (M21) |
The monster attack
continues. Tanks shoot at Rodan and
Godzilla. The Xilien saucers destroy some of
the tanks. Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents, Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme. |
| 20 | 3:42 | The Fury Of The 3 Monsters (M22) |
Godzilla and Rodan continue
their rampage. Ghidorah soon joins in. Terror motif, Rodan theme, Ghidorah theme with tail, Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents, Ghidorah theme with tail, Ghidorah theme with tail (partial). |
| 21 | 3:07 | Monster Mega-War March (M23) |
The scientists and the army use
rays to break the aliens' control over the 3 monsters, causing them to
collapse. The army tanks destroy the
Xiliens' hideout. Monster Zero March, repeats at 1:04/2:09. |
| 22 | 2:19 | Monster Mega-War (M24) |
With the aliens gone, the
monsters wake up. Godzilla and Rodan
fight Ghidorah. Eventually Godzilla
and Ghidorah go over a cliff into the sea. Monster control theme in tremolo strings, brass, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents, Ghidorah theme with tail, Ghidorah theme variation. |
| 23 | 1:01 | Ending (M25) |
Ghidorah flies away. The humans are relieved. Farewell theme on muted trumpet/tremolo strings, cor anglais, low brass, strings, final cadence. |
Destroy All Monsters, 1968 (怪獣総進撃, "Attack of the Marching Monsters")
The new themes for the humans include the Destroy All Monsters March, the memorable "perpetuoso" Remote Control Destruction theme (derived from "Matsumoto City And King Ghidorah" from 1964's "Ghidorah, the 3-Headed Monster") and the Moonbase theme. The Kilaak aliens receive the return of the Xilien theme from "Invasion" (perhaps they are related?), a Kilaak "choir" texture, a brief Escape theme and the Monster Land theme (all of which are more or less derived from the Xilien theme/scale). A new Destroy All Monsters theme (Main Title, All Monsters Attack) rounds out the new themes. The Planet X motif from "Invasion" also returns fairly frequently here, as well as the Monster Control theme (appropriately enough). As usual, even though the themes for the individual monsters also recur fairly frequently, they are often written in different tempos and orchestrations.
| Trk | Dur | Title | Film Sequence |
| 1 | 0:39 | Main Title (M1) |
Logos, Title into opening
narration. Destroy All Monsters theme fragments on alto flute/gong, synth, full theme on brass, held strings cadence. |
| 2 | 1:25 | Title Credits (M2-T4) |
Title credits, as spaceship Moonlight SY-3
takes off towards the moon. Destroy All Monsters March. |
| 3 | 3:23 | Monster Land (M3) |
A voice-over describes images of
underwater studies, followed by a helicopter flying over Monster Land. Godzilla, Rodan, Angilas, Mothra and
Gorasaurus are seen. Mothra and Godzilla
are prevented from leaving the island.
Rodan dives into the water to catch some dolphins. The helicopter lands in the underground
command center. Technicians monitor
the monsters. Falling/rising piano scales, heavy Monster Land theme intercut with low rhythmic wind/brass/string accents, horn call over timpani roll, accents, recap variation. |
| 4 | 0:19 | Moon Base I (M4) |
The SY-3's pilot, Katsuo, calls Kyoko from the
moonbase. Moonbase theme on synth. |
| 5 | 1:03 | Incident at Monster Land (M5) |
Gas seeps into the control room
and knocks out the scientists. Gas
also erupts around the island, knocking out the monsters. Xilien theme on synth/strings/low winds/gong, Planet X motif alternating with brass fanfares, ending in brass Escape theme. |
| 6 | 0:26 | Moon Base II (M6) |
A moonbase technician contacts
the SY-3 and tells them to return to base. Moonbase theme developed on synth. |
| 7 | 0:53 | SY-3 (M7) |
The SY-3 detects a flying saucer on the moon and attempts to follow, but it escapes. Xilien theme/Planet X motif on synth/cymbal, Destroy All Monsters March variation on strings/drums. |
| 32 | 0:35 | The SY-3 Goes to Earth (M7A) |
The SY-3 lands on Monster Land. Destroy All Monsters March variation on strings/drums (edited retrack of Track 7) |
| 8 | 0:40 | An Uninhabited Monster Land (M8) |
Katsuo's team explores the deserted command center, but Kyoko suddenly appears. Xilien theme variation on vibraphone, tremolo strings, muted trumpet/brass, repeated with added winds. |
| 9 | 0:52 | Kilaakian I (M9) |
Katsuo's team is introduced to
the alien Kilaaks. Xilien theme variation with Kilaak choir texture, then Planet X motif on alto flute over synth, choral textures, strings. |
| 10 | 2:13 | Escape from Monster Land (M10) |
Katsuo's team fights off the
alien-controlled humans and escapes with one of the humans as a prisoner. Track 5 retracked twice: Xilien theme on synth/strings/low winds/gong, Planet X motif alternating with brass fanfares, ending in brass Escape theme. |
| 11 | 0:31 | Strange Metal (M11-T2) |
Doctors discover a strange
implant inside the neck of the prisoner. Eerie figures on piano/synth/flute based on Xilien theme. |
| 12 | 0:20 | Monster Control Instrument (M12) |
Monster control devices are
found in hidden locations around the world. Somewhat ethnic/tribal texture on drums and brass. |
| 13 | 0:23 | Rodan Attacks (M13) |
Rodan approaches Tokyo as Kyoko
smiles. Rodan theme (slight extended variation). |
| 14 | 1:48 | Giant Attack on Tokyo (M14) |
Godzilla and Manda arrive as
well and they all begin a rampage. Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme (2x), rhythmic accents. |
| 33 | 0:28 | Tokyo Defense Strategy (M14A) |
The Japanese army prepares
missiles. Monster fanfare, Ghidorah theme, Monster fanfare (probably retracked from Invasion of Astro-Monster). |
| 15 | 2:16 | Battle to Repel the Monsters (M15) |
Missiles are launched against
the monsters. Mothra soon arrives
through the subway. Destroy All Monsters March, recap at 1:13. |
| 16 | 0:23 | Headquarters in Ruins (M15A) |
The camera pans over the
devastated city. Mournful brass. |
| 34 | 1:04 | Self Defense Force Attack
Preparation (M15B) |
The army and the SY-3 go to Izu
to look for the Kilaak HQ. Destroy All Monsters March (retrack of Track 15). |
| 17 | 2:09 | Monster Defense Line (M16) |
When the SY-3 attempts to land,
it is repelled by Godzilla's atomic breath.
The army opens fire on Godzilla.
Angilas joins the fray and the army retreats. Synth/piano textures with Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents. |
| 18 | 0:45 | Rodan in Pursuit (M17) |
Rodan chases the SY-3 but the
ship outruns him. Rodan theme extended variation. |
| 35 | 1:12 | Godzilla in the Foliage (M17A) |
When Katsuo and the army search
for the Kilaak base at Mount Fuji, Godzilla appears. Katsuo hides and Godzilla eventually
leaves. Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, rhythmic accents (retrack of Track 17). |
| 19 | 1:28 | Kilaakian II (M18) |
When Katuo and his men enter a
cave, the exit is blocked. They soon
encounter the Kilaak leader again behind an invisible wall and are shown the
interior of the saucer base. The
Kilaaks deliver an ultimatum and disappear. (alternate) Dialogue between Planet X motif on vibraphone/piano/tremolo strings, muted trumpet/brass, and Escape theme on low winds/synth, etc.. Xilien theme with choral Kilaak choir texture, then Planet X motif on alto flute over synth, choral textures, strings. |
| 20 | 0:12 | The Moon Base and SY-3 (M19) |
The SY-3 lands at moonbase. Moonbase theme reprise. |
| 21 | 1:31 | SY-3 Sortie (M20) |
The SY-3 surveys the moon for
the Kilaak control center. They spot a
saucer. Destroy All Monsters March. |
| 22 | 2:25 | The Exploration Car Breaks
Through (M21) |
When the SY-3 attempts to land
it is hit with flames from the rocks.
They are able to drive out in their land rover and use lasers to
disable the flames. (Track 5 reprise with slightly more synth) Xilien theme in synth/strings/low winds/gong, Planet X motif alternating with brass fanfares/piano, ending in Escape theme, recap at 1:05, coda. |
| 23 | 1:00 | The Kilaakian Entity (M22) |
Inside the inactive Kilaak
command center, space slugs are seen entering rocks. Katsuo surmises that the cold made them go
back into hibernation. Xilien theme on alto flute/piano/choral textures, Planet X theme on muted brass/alto flute/synth, Xilien theme coda. |
| 24 | 0:43 | Remote Control Destruction (M23) |
Katsuo's team uses one of their
lasers to cut off the monster control device. Remote Control Destruction theme as a motoric march with syncopated accents on piano/snare/strings. |
| 37 | 0:29 | SY-3 Escapes (M23A) |
The SY-3 leaves the Kilaak moon
base as it self-destructs. Destroy All Monsters March fragment (edited retrack of Track 21). |
| 25 | 1:17 | All Monsters Attack (M24) |
At Mount Fuji, the monsters (now
controlled by the humans) gather into 2 groups including Godzilla, Minilla,
Mothra, Rodan, Angilas, Manda, Baragon, Gorasaurus and Kumonga. Destroy All Monsters theme, Rodan theme with horn call, ending fanfare. |
| 26 | 2:49 | The Great Decisive Battle at Fuji
I (M25) |
King Ghidorah appears and the
monsters engage. Ghidorah lifts off
with Angilas holding on with its jaws.
Angilas falls and causes a landslide, which reveals the hidden Kilaak
base. Godzilla and Gorosaurus attack
Ghidorah on the ground. Monster fanfare, slow themes: Ghidorah theme with tail, Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents. |
| 27 | 2:28 | The Great Decisive Battle at Fuji
II (M26) |
Godzilla, Gorosaurus and Angilas
pummel Ghidorah. Mothra and Kumonga
spray silk. Slightly faster: Ghidorah theme with tail, Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme, Rodan theme, rhythmic accents. |
| 28 | 1:35 | Base Annihilation (M27) |
Godzilla attacks the Kilaak
base. The Kilaak's go into
hibernation. Monster Control theme, Terror motif, Rodan theme, Resurrection theme (2x), Rodan theme, rhythmic accents. |
| 29 | 2:32 | Fire Dragon Pursuit (M28) |
The SY-3 fights a "fire
dragon", which is revealed to be one of the Kilaak saucers. Destroy All Monsters March. |
| 30 | 1:32 | Ending (M29) |
As Katsuo and Kyoko fly over in a
helicopter, the monsters are seen back on Monster Land. Monster Land theme in low winds/organ intercut with low brass accents, strings into ending fanfare. |
| 31 | 0:39 | The Mysterious UFO on the Moon (M7) |
Film edit of Track 7 (SY-3). |
| 36 | 1:27 | The Kilaak Appear (M18) |
Film edit of Track 19 (Kilaakian II). |
| 38 | 1:20 | Title Credits (M2-T1) |
First take of Track 2. |
| 39 | 1:24 | Title Credits (M2-T2) |
Second take of Track 2. |
| 40 | 1:26 | Title Credits (M2-T3) |
Third take of Track 2. |
| 41 | 0:28 | Strange Metal (M11-T1) |
Alternate take of Track 11. |
Previous Akira Ifukube Godzilla Films Analysed:
Godzilla
King Kong vs Godzilla
Mothra vs Godzilla
Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster
Links
Godzilla Perfect Box 2 at Screen Archives
Akira Ifukube Wiki
Akira Ifukube Museum
Toho Kingdom Destroy All Monsters Review
Invasion of Astro-Monster Wikia Entry
Destroy All Monsters Wikia Entry
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