Dark Void

I've been a fan of Bear McCreary's work for a goodly while now, but unlike most people who're familiar with his work, I did not discover the composer via "Battlestar Galactica". I was initially exposed to his work on the Sci-Fi Original series, "Eureka". What Bear does on that show is completely different from what he wrote for his other well known Sci-Fi offerings (namely "BSG" and "The Sarah Connor Chronicles") and is about as far from his work on "Dark Void" as you can get.

The musical soundscape of "Dark Void" is broody and evocative, filled with rushing strings, pounding percussion, aggressive bass solos and a hauntingly but beautifully utilized Ondes Martenot (for those unfamiliar with the instrument, think "Dana's Theme" from Elmer Bernstein's "Ghostbusters" score). There's quite literally a little bit of everything here. It's got to feature the most eclectic mix of instruments I've ever heard in a video game score.

Speaking of instruments, it's nice...Read more

Dark Void is a sci-fi video game that features what I found to be an immensely superb score from Bear McCreary. Certain elements to this score give it a classic feel. While listening through I was reminded of Jerry Goldmsith and certain parts reminded me of James Horner.

The score itself is incredibly thematically based. If there was ever a perfect example of theme and variation this would be it. McCreary sets up with the timeless sounding romanticized theme right off the bat. Another big surprise is that we have a full on sweeping orchestral score. Leave your synths at home boys and girls. McCreary successfully sets up an identity for the score even though he used a full orchestra. His wonderful percussion gives the score substance, and his use of ethnic instruments and arrangements give it character. He uses an electric violin to give it a bit of a vintage video game feel.

The music here is truly unique in that it doesn't follow traditional gaming...Read more

Dark Void is easily one of my favorite video game soundtracks of recent times. The creator has already done some sci-fi show soundtracks so he wasn't new to the scene at all. This soundtrack, while mostly ochestra in sound, also has some electronics in it to make a unique mixture. The real treat here is the drums and percussion. There is so much in the tracks that it gives it a very jungle, almost tribal feel at times. The final track is just for fun, a chiptune version of the theme song... sounds like a nintendo game! I never played the game, but I heard it isn't very good - but whether you liked the game or not - you need this soundtrack for your collection! High recommendation!