Classically trained BAFTA-winning composer Jason Graves returns to create a psychodramatic orchestral score for Dead Space 2, the highly anticipated next installment in the blockbuster action horror video game franchise. Reflecting hero Isaac Clarke’s dementia and nightmarish personal journey, Graves’s original music score features the intricately woven thematic movement “Lacrimosa,” a concerto for string quartet that runs throughout the game...

Jason Graves's score for Dead Space 2 is another album that strides the gap between soundtrack and classical music. The concerto for string quartet that runs throughout this score could easily have been expanded upon and released as a classical composition.

This album contains 14 tracks, representing 1 hr, 47 sec worth of music. Highlights include:

'Lacrimosa', which houses arguably this album's most beautiful theme, and is the classical piece that is echoed throughout the score, most notably in 'Canonical Aside'.

'The Cassini Towers', which reminded me of John Williams's 'The Temple of Doom' from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

The only reason I've dropped the final mark by two points is because there are a few too many atmospheric moments which, while no doubt help to add to the gaming experience, are a little dull to listen to in isolation.

8

Darren Rea