Carpenter Brut: Synthwave Artist Reveals Top 5 Horror Movie Picks

French electronic musician Carpenter Brut released his third full-length studio album, Leather Temple, on Friday, February 27, 2026. The album, a blend of darkwave and metal, has been described as sounding like a cyberpunk film score.

To coincide with the album’s release, Carpenter Brut shared his five favorite horror movies, revealing a taste for films that prioritize practical effects, low-budget ingenuity, and a willingness to embrace the grotesque. His selections offer a glimpse into the artistic sensibilities that inform his music.

First on his list is Peter Jackson’s 1987 splatter comedy, Bad Taste. Carpenter Brut recalled discovering the film on French television as a child, describing it as “unhinged” and “handmade in the best way.” He praised its punk energy and DIY aesthetic, noting that it was made over several years in Jackson’s spare time with friends. He highlighted the film’s blend of disgusting and humorous gore, calling it a “total cult UFO” that helped launch Jackson’s career.

Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead 2 (1987) as well earned a spot on the list. Carpenter Brut doesn’t view it as a typical sequel, but rather as a more ambitious remake of the original, boasting increased budget, humor, and “insanity.” He lauded Bruce Campbell’s performance, noting his endurance of “90 minutes of a beating in the most entertaining way possible,” and praised Raimi’s youthful ambition and inventive direction despite budgetary constraints.

The original Friday the 13th (1980) also resonated with the artist. Carpenter Brut appreciated the film’s twist ending, classic kills, and the effects perform of Tom Savini. He noted the film’s initial critical panning, suggesting that negative reviews can sometimes be a mark of quality in the horror genre. He lamented the franchise’s subsequent decline into formulaic sequels, arguing that the original film possessed a unique mood and story that was lost in later installments.

Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, left a lasting impression on Carpenter Brut, who described it as the horror film that “marked me the most.” He admitted to seeing it at a young age and being traumatized, yet still ranking it among his all-time favorites. He emphasized the film’s unsettling atmosphere and the sense of decay permeating every element, from Leatherface to the set design. He also pointed to the film’s raw and realistic feel, attributing it to the challenging conditions of the shoot.

Finally, Carpenter Brut selected John Carpenter’s 1982 film, The Thing, as potentially his favorite of the director’s entire career. He praised the film’s premise – a shape-shifting alien in Antarctica breeding paranoia – and its flawless atmosphere and stunning cinematography. He also highlighted the legendary practical creature effects and Ennio Morricone’s score, describing it as giving the film a “cold, heavy pulse.” He noted the film’s initial dismissal upon release, attributing it to the contrasting portrayal of aliens in E.T. that same year.

Leather Temple is available now.