Yesterday I received the Halo 4 Soundtrack and I have to admit that I did not expect it to come that early since it is supposed to come out officially on the 22th. I already listened to the entire soundtrack and I have to admit it is quite different from the past soundtracks. First, I noticed was the fact the orchestra is almost never separated from the electronic beats/sounds. Second, most of them are very dramatic, either an epic style (To Galaxy), a mystery/sad style (Haven), a very calm/peaceful style (Solace) or a big battle style (Ascendancy). In other words, the entire soundtrack stands out unlike Halo 3 OST that only had a few pieces that would. Finally, I really loved it! it is the best soundtrack so far!
Furthermore, each piece of it makes me wonder what the heck is going on in the campaign, it makes me want to play the game already! But hey Halo 4 is just two weeks and 3 days away, so while we wait, let’s discuss each piece of the soundtrack. I am going to try figure out what is going on just by the music and names of the tracks. This will be spoilers free so don’t worry. In addition, I will be highlighting the uniqueness of each song.
I. Awakening (5:44)
The past soundtracks always started with slow instrumentals, however, this one starts of with one that sounds like there is a lot going on. Slow violins that are playing faster and faster as a sign of desperate moments, and then slowing down into the epic tune, with increasing beats. Then, finishing with an even more epic sound and then everything slows down with high violin notes.
Final verdict: 5/5
II. Belly of the Beast (2:40)
This time it sounds like things are going worse, with more terrifying violins and tubas until it gets to an electronic sound fading away (if you remember the Halo 4 2011 trailer you know what I am talking about). Short, still thrilling.
Final verdict: 4/5
III. Requiem (2:18)
Mystery, amazement, Forerunner wonders . . . expect all that in the new world Requiem. Also, expect high violins and electronic sounds.
Final verdict 4/5
IV. Legacy (2:32)
I don’t really know from who’s legacy is talking about, I guess is either John’s legacy or the Forerunners’ legacy. Arabic style choirs mixed with beautiful violins and other instruments.
Final verdict 4/5
V. Faithless (5:08)
While past pieces sounded more like for cinematic scenes, this one sounds more for the gameplay. Like Awakening, there seems to be no time to chill. Also, it has some type of alien choir, and brass’ presence are noticeable. By 3:00min, the music slows down, yet it still sounds like you gotta be aware of your surroundings, until it reaches a more Halo style sound (not fast nor slow music)
Final verdict 4/5
VI. Haven (5:45)
A great discovery has been made (first two minutes), revelations of some kind (next two minutes) and it turns out really bad (rest of it). It starts with slow violins and piano and a choir, with violins suddenly getting high notes and electronic sounds getting stronger and stronger . . . You can remember this song playing on the background of “Halo 4 First Look” (only the first minute).
Final verdict 5/5
VII. Nemesis (3:33)
Things are about to get worse . . . a confrontation is about to begin. This track reminds me of Dread Intrusion from the Halo 3 soundtrack, yet even more threating. That is until choirs and brass get in with out standing more than anything, followed by electronic metroid style sounds and violins. It ends with slow violins along with modified vibraphones.
Final verdict 4/5
VIII. Ascendancy (4:22)
Killing aliens . . . desperate measures . . . hardcore music. Electronic sounds, violins, drums, beats, & keyboards really take most of the song. Ascendancy really takes Halo’s music to the next level. I am sure this one is going to be loved by the Metroid Prime fans.
Final verdict 5/5
IX. Solace (4:48)
Solaceis a slow/cheering track with amazement atmosphere. It is the first song that actually transmits tranquility and happiness.
Final verdict 5/5
X. To Galaxy (5:02)
I don’t even have to talk about this one. It’s the One Final Effort from Halo 3 OST, the Tip of the Spear of Reach OST, or evenHalo Theme Mjinor Mix of Halo 2 OST Vol 1. It’s the next classic!
Final verdict 4/5
XI. Immaterial (7:38)
Mystery . . . that is all I can tell for this song. This track is quite complex since 2/3 of it has electronic sounds/beats/keyboards of mystery atmosphere and violins do not play a high role on this song. On the last two minutes it changes from a mystery atmosphere to a battle atmosphere. It is the first song that I feel that It had potential, it just needed a little push.
Final verdict 3/5
XII. 117 (7:29)
Honor + Legacy + Epic = John 117. A really nice song representing what is Master Chief with an outstanding orchestra and electronic sounds are barely noticeable.
Final verdict 5/5
XIII. Arrival (5:39)
Arrival has an exciting melody with a sense of reaching victory. Not to mention is going to be one of the most epic and remembered tracks of the game.
Final verdict 5/5
XIV. Revival (7:25)
Niel Davidge really left the best for the end with Revival and Green and Blue. The only thing that comes to my mind with Revival is the ancient evil; a climax that could serve as a turning point of the game. Revival really transmits fear & evil thanks to the choir and orchestra. As the track plays, it becomes darker and more terrifying until it gets to the climax.
Final verdict 5/5
XV. Green and Blue (8:01)
Think of it as Tribute from Halo 3 OST but even more emotional (like the good ending of Bioshock 2). Honestly, the track had an really unexpected, yet beautiful sound.
Final verdict 5/5
Overall, Niel Davidge fully replaces Martin O’Donnell role as the composer of the series, and I am looking forward to hear his future works for Halo 5 & 6. Hearing this soundtrack not only makes me want to play the game already, but wonder what is really going to happen in the campaign.
What do you guys think? Leave your thoughts below!
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