Halo 4 [Original Soundtrack]

Microsoft/Xbox's 2012 entry into the long-running, science fiction video game series Halo finds composer/producer Neil Davidge from Massive Attack taking the reins from Martin O'Donnell, the latter of whom spent the last decade or so tastefully slathering the world of Halo in a rich, monastic, almost ambient patina that became as much of a character in the series as the iconic Master Chief. Davidge's long history with electronic music comes into play on his score for Halo 4 from the very beginning, deftly weaving in the choral elements of its predecessor over a foundation of appropriately chilly electro-pop that feels more in tune with the series' increasingly cinematic tone, incorporating Hanz Zimmer-esque orchestral cues and beat-driven, trance-like atmospherics into an already expansive universe that seems more than able to handle the extra load. [A deluxe edition of the soundtrack features remixes from Skrillex, Sander Van Doorn, Gui Boratto, Caspa, DJ Skee, Matt Lange, and Apocalyptica.] ~ James Christopher Monger