MovieScore Media release takes listeners far away both in time and space with a focus on the Medieval world of the Middle East. Written and directed by Ashkan Rahgozar, The Last Fiction builds upon the traditions of immortal Persian literature, bringing it to a wider audience. Based on the literary classic The Book of Kings by Ferdowsi, The Last Fiction follows the parallel stories of young Prince Zahak, who makes a treacherous rise to the throne of Ancient Persia thanks to a deal with the Devil, and young hero Afaridoun, who is destined to save the kingdom's people from the rule of darkness...

The Last Fiction features an intricate score by French-born, Tehran-based composer Christophe Rezai. The soundtrack is steeped in Iranian folk music, reimagined into a rich, symphonic (and, on occasion, choral) sound to create a memorable, emotionally-charged and action-packed score.

As director Ashkan Rahgozar explains: "The soundtrack of The Last Fiction presents the pure musical culture of Iranian music, we spent five years on researching Iranian folk music all around the country, even the smallest of villages. We decided to do this because the film is about Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), so we felt that the country’s entire musical culture should be represented with one of the greatest Iranian books ever written."

It's impressive how far the project went in its quest to deliver a score that's built on traditional Iranian music from across the entire region. For instance, there are vocal elements of the score which incorporates so called Zar Music, based on a traditional exorcism ceremony practiced in Southern Iran.

While "technically" impressive, does it stand on its own two feet, as an album of themes to be enjoyed outside of the film? The answer is yes, and pretty well to be honest. There's a little something here for everyone. Even heavy rock influences are heard on tracks like 'Ahriman’s Attack'. Whilst the spirit of traditional Iranian songs can be found in tracks like 'Shahrzad's Song'.

While the majority of the score doesn't stray too far from a typical Hollywood movie soundtrack, the Middle Eastern influence weaves its way beautifully throughout the tracks.

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Darren Rea