Album: Halo 2, The Original Soundtrack (Volume 1 & 2)
Label: Sumthing Else MusicWorks, Inc.
Genre: Classical (Instrumental), Electronic, Ambient, Rock
Released: 2004 - November 9th (Volume 1) / 2006 - April 26th (Volume 2)
Moe Rating:

In the spirit of what is now dubbed ‘Halo Season’, I decided that blowing off the virtual dust on the Halo 2 original soundtrack might not be a bad idea. In fact, after a short while of listening, it was quite clear that this was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had.

The first volume of the soundtrack was released the same day as the game was launched, however the second volume was released nothing more than two years later, for reasons beyond my comprehension. Volume two serves as a mash-up of the first volume, where all the songs have been combined into 12 longer tracks, rather than the 21 in the first volume. However, the second volume doesn’t encompass every track that was on the first volume.

Volume 1 contains all the tracks that featured in Halo 2, so it’s your classical, orchestral windy instruments, chanting, big drum - often tribal -, epic sounding pieces that you’ve come to expect in a game of that calibre. These tracks have been composed by our good mates, Martin O’Donnell & Michael Salvatori. It also features 4 tracks entitled ‘1st Movement of the Odyssey’, to the 4th movement of the same title. These are not tracks composed for Halo 2, rather, tracks by Incubus or Breaking Benjamin, so they have a more ‘rock-ish’ feel to it. Not much of a fan of rock myself, but these are a good selection of very listenable tracks.

One of the tracks that strikes many the most on these albums, however, are the tracks: Halo Theme (Mjolnir Mix) and Reclaimer. These are epic masterpieces, with a stunning combination of classy classic classical elements, with the superb addition of Steve Vai shredding on his magical sounding guitar. When playing the actual game and hearing these familiar tracks come on, it creates a wonderful atmosphere that draws you into the scene, and I’m no composer, but I’d assume that’s a good thing.

Being swept up in the Halo phenominon, I’ve purchased my copy of Halo 3, and having the sharp musical ear that I do, I was able to pick up on a number of the tracks throughout the game, and I can safely say, I’m rather disappointed. Rather than creating a more original score, we’re left with remastered versions of the Halo 2 soundtrack, or slight modifications/ variations of the songs in previous Halo’s. I’m sure there are going to be a dozen or so new tracks, but a totally new score might have been nice, bar actual Halo theme songs, but hey, it’s all good, right? Getting more of something already obviously great can’t be a bad thing, so hey, more power to ‘em!

Overall, the Halo 2 Original Soundtrack is masterfully composed, performed and is an excellent listen. Get it as soon as you can if you’re a fan of the series and haven’t already got it.