Say hello to the new Halo composer
Ask any Halo fan what their favorite thing about the franchise is, and they’ll probably give you the same answer: Teabagging noobs. But ask any Halo fan what their second favorite things about the franchise is, and they’re likely to say that it’s the music. Halo’s orchestral themes set new standards for videogame scores, and turned the composer, Marty O’Donnell, into a living legend in the Halo community. But while Marty remians at Bungie, composing music for the studio’s next franchise, Halo has moved on to 343 Industries. They recently unveiled who they’ve entrusted Halo’s music to, and I think you’ll be impressed. Click the link for a video introduction, and some early samples of the Halo 4 soundtrack.
The new composer and producer for the Halo series is Neil Davidge, long time co-writer and producer for the band Massive Attack. While Davidge has had experience scoring motion pictures, this will be his first foray into video games. While he might be new to composing videogame soundtracks, Davidge is not new to Halo. In fact, he has been a fan of the franchise since the very beginning. “I’ve been playing the game since 2001,” he said in a recent video introduction, “and there’s this mysterious guy behind the green suit of armor. I’ve been intrigued to what he feels.” The introduction video features musical snippets and commentary from various members of the audio team at 343, including Davidge himself. Have a look for yourself below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmfGsuOacMA
In addition to that slick piece of self promotion, 343 also gave fans another video featuring two pieces of music from the Halo 4 soundtrack, blended together. The video offers a more substantial preview of what they should expect from the music of Halo 4, and can be watched below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ-mmSh9yMw
So what do you think? As a long time Marty O’Donnell fan, I like what I’m hearing so far. It doesn’t grab me instantly like the iconic themes from past Halo games, but the foundation for something really great is there. I fully believe that Neil Davidge and his team will craft something compelling and unique, yet still unmistakably Halo. “But Joe,” I hear you say, “I don’t want to listen to the new Halo hotness on stinkin YouTube. I want to listen to it on my iPod.” Well… don’t say I never gave you nothing. Click here for a high quality mp3 version of the soundtrack samples.
You’re welcome. Halo 4 launches this holiday season.
