MovieScore Media release Jack Moik's score for the German independent science-fiction movie Nydenion. Written and directed by Moik, the film takes place in the future where interstellar travel has been perfected, but the exploration of vast new lands naturally leads to devastating wars. Rick Walker (Moik) is a former fighter pilot turned disillusioned freelance flyer who is hired to transport a mysterious woman to the site of a secret peace negotiation. Special ambassador Cynthia Perkins claims to hold the key to get the stalling negotiations back on track, but the two-person envoy is attacked by a group of fighter jets. Stuck on the remote planet on Nydenion, Rick must realize that his valuable cargo has been targeted by his own kind...

Jack Moik's score for Nydenion is a beautiful and powerful collection of tracks. In addition, it was a huge surprise to discover this was his first ever movie score, and that he wrote it whilst taking on just about every duty on the movie (writer, director, actor...) The score was composed in just four months.

Moik himself admits that this is a loving tribute to Star Wars and Star Trek, and while I didn't pick up any sign of a homage to John Williams, I certainly noticed the Star Trek beats.

The opening title reminded me of Dennis McCarthy's work on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, but in particular his 'Overture' for Star Trek: Generations. In addition, 'Sabotage / No Shuttle' has elements of Jerry Goldsmith's score for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.

Over this album's 16 tracks (1 hr, 18 min, 02 sec) there are other nods to some of the classic sci-fi movie scores of the '80s/'90s. Most notably, 'The President Arrives / Crash Landing' pays homage to Alan Silvestri's score for Predator. 'Into Space' also has a few beats of Jerry Goldsmith's score for Twilight Zone the Movie.

The album closes, as it opens, with arguably its strongest theme. It's a wonderful score with some incredible themes. It's made all the more impressive when you consider the fact this is Moik's first feature film score.

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Darren Rea