I thought that it was a little strange that I'd never heard of a movie titled "The Jupiter Menace." Here I am, science fiction super-geek, able to identify "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episodes by name after iewing a 15-second preview, completely bewildered by a very science- fiction sounding movie with a soundtrack by a very science- fiction composer. What's wrong here?

I decided to do a little research. Being in a very science- fiction kind of mood (and because it's a lot easier than actually looking in a movie archive book) I consulted the vast resources of the Internet. Unfortunately, the only results I got from search engines looking for "Jupiter Menace" were lists of the Synergy discography. I decided to try my favorite Internet movie search engine. A hit! The entire listing read as follows: "Jupiter Menace: 1981."

This inspired a revelation. "The Jupiter Menace" was probably a movie that was hyped in its time as a revolutionary, or even evolutionary, look at the future. The producers probably patted themselves on the back in congratulatory motions for how exceptional a foresight they must possess. The movie probably sucked.

A perfect fit for the soundtrack that went along with it. Synergy creator Larry Fast, despite having made innumerous contributions to many big-name recording stars, seems to have had lost himself in his own belief of his brilliance. After years of high- profile recognition for achievements in the advancement of electronic music, Synergy seemed to have been stuck as the world's first electronic "formula" band. The music from "The Jupiter Menace," while incorporating some new technologies, remains mostly indistinguishable from earlier Synergy works, a dangerous game for a field of music so rapidly evolving. The soundtrack even includes some tracks from previous Synergy albums.

While the music was indeed revolutionary in 1975, Synergy had condemned itself by this release to be background music for trendy modern science museums. And like the fate of its movie counterpart, to be all but forgotten.

-Skaht Hansen

"Rampage of the Elements"

[Real Audio Stream]