Various Artists RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (Roadrunner)

Two years ago, Slipknot were the in-house stars of Roadrunner’s Resident Evil soundtrack, so it’s fitting that they lead off this sequel with the creepy album track "Vermilion." But the disc’s first single comes from one of the overachieving metal label’s newer bands: Killswitch Engage, whose yearning "The End of Heartache" is a crucial part of their current assault on the rock mainstream. Recent signees Cradle of Filth also score one for the home team, and acts from plenty of other labels jump at the chance to be part of the zombie-fighting fun. Two Euros dominate the frightfest: Rammstein with the militaristic bluster of "Mein Teil" and HIM with the æthereal death pop of "Join Me in Death." A gritty new mix of the Perfect Circle smash "The Outsider" leads American alt-rock to a strong showing that also includes metallic nuggets from Warped soldiers the Used and Thrice. The Cure hold their own against the kids with "Us or Them," an aggressive standout from their current comeback album. And female singers Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil) and Liv Kristine (Cradle guest vocalist) give performances to rival that of the movie’s tough-girl star, Milla Jovovich.