Further proof that the 15-year-old male is the nexus of contemporary popular entertainment, this anthology of music from and "inspired by" the sequel to the earth-conquering Halo saga also showcases how capably the video game industry can trump even Hollywood's vaunted production values. The original synth-heavy underscore by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori is filled with enough brooding, mock-Goth atmospherics, and pulsing exotica of indeterminate ethnicity to give the Hans Zimmer stable a run for their money, while a slate of (mostly) worthy rock star guest turns give it a welcome edge. Legendary axe-slinger Steve Vai's sinewy riffing punches up the reworked main theme and "Never Surrender," while alt.metal contenders Breaking Benjamin serve up the suitably dramatic inspired-by cut "Blow Me Away." But it's Incubus' four-part "Odyssey" suite that's the centerpiece, bridging 1970s prog and modern rock with its moody aura and evocative musical dramatics. --Jerry McCulley
Customer Review: Halo in a different light...
I recently bought this CD and listen to it with my Halo obsessed boys. Upon the beginning of each song, I'm given a lesson -from my boys- about where the song is in the video game and what is happening at the time- Master Chief's continuing struggle to save the world. Listening to the songs apart from the video game has given me a whole new listening experience...one that I very much enjoy. I feel the struggle and determination. Wonderful!
Customer Review: Halo 2 Delivers!
Halo 2 sounds a lot different from the first one, but still keeps some of its signature tunes. The "Halo" song from the first game gets a makeover with rock. Also included are recorded songs from Breaking Benjamin "Blow me Away" which is good but I wish it was the instrumental from the game. Incubus brings all 4 "Movement of the Odyssey" with the best one (in my opinion) being the first one "Follow." Hoobastank's "Connected" was good in the game but it's not my favorite from the album.
Great music overall! "Ghosts Of Reach" begins beautifully and gets into the drums towards the end, "Heretic, Hero" "Flawed Legacy" and "Remembrance" have some of the original sounds from the previous album all which have been remade and they're quite good ("Remembrance" is "The Maw" with more female dominant vocals). "Never Surrender" is your fix of dance, a remix of the Halo them with "never surrender" and Cortana's voice used throughout. There is also the beautiful "Heavy Price Paid" which is used during the game's loading sequence, the battle-ready "Earth City" Flood-ridden-creepy "Ancient Machine" dreamy-like "Orbit of Glass" simply amazing "The Last Spartan" a fix of classical of rock and the most beautiful song "High Charity" is completely atmosphereic. Truly, it sounds like a dream!
Best: Halo, Blow me Away, Ghost of Reach, all 4 Odysseys, Heretic, Hero, The Last Spartan, Heavy Price Paid, Orbit Of Glass, Earth City, High Charity, and Remembrance.
Another Halo soundtrack that doesn't disappoint! If you liked the first one or you enjoy movie/video game soundtracks, get this!
One quick note, not all the music from Halo 2 is on this CD. If you want more of the score or to complete the collection, "Halo 2 Volume 2" has what you're looking for.
The "Mad Mind" has spoken.
Halo 2, Vol. 1
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