To celebrate 10 years of the first-person shooter game Halo: Combat Evolved, the developers released Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, an enhanced remake of the original game. In addition a new soundtrack was commissioned. While some of the original score was retained, it was prerecord using the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra and the Chanticleer vocal ensemble, and additional music was included. This two-disc album contains 39 tracks, representing 1 hr, 23 min, 39 sec worth of music.

The first disc of this soundtrack straddles the fine line between soundtrack and classical music. The choral pieces, like the incredible 'Suite Fall' are modern day masterpieces, easily holding their own against traditional choral works.

Then there are tracks like 'Strung' which employs an electric guitar to put a modern twist on the the game's familiar theme. This is quickly followed up with strings and vocals to provide a powerful track.

I also noticed, for the first time, how similar the game's main theme sounds to Barrington Pheloung's theme for Inspector Morse. Actually it's not just similar, there's a nine notes segment that's identical. This can be best heard on 'Flotsam, Jetsam'. If you want to check it out, it runs from 1 min, 54 sec to 2 min.

The second disc is packed full of chilled out atmospheric trance tracks that, while not to my personal taste, provide a great atmosphere while playing the game. Then there's the bizarre drum based track 'Strident' that sounds futuristic crossed with an '80s feel - don't ask how that works, it just does.

Personally, while disc two didn't do anything for me (when listened to in isolation) I really enjoyed the album's first disc. As the retail price is cheaper than you'd normally pay for a single disc, this represents great value for money.

8

Darren Rea