Posted on: October 13, 2011 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Steve Jablonsky has done a tremendous job in creating the perfect environment for those that have picked up Gears of War 3. The different compositions here all feed into one another while maintaining some semblance of different stages or levels. Where the soundtrack differs from the scores that are typically created for different video games is that Jablonsky’s compositions all could conceivably exist on their own.

While a proper understanding of the game will undoubtedly increase the amount that one enjoys what is present here, I feel that there is a decidedly different story to be told in the album’s tracks. Tracks like Meanwhile Below Deck have a very dark and brooding sound to them, creating an atmosphere that is only furthered through the inclusion of a very industrial and gritty vibe. Fence House Suicide Pills opens things up slightly, but everything that listeners hear is colored – tinged if you will – with the same dark environment that is common in Gears of War 3. As the disc continues to spin, there is a little sense that things may just get better for the protagonist.

Live For Me shows this well; while the forboding feel of previous tracks never truly goes away, there is a sense that the trials and tribulations that have presented themselves to the player may be on the retreat. To speak of common threads, this sense of victory becomes a little more prevalent with the disc’s final track, Finally a Tomorrow. The Gears of War 3 Soundtrack is simply impressive, with each of the tracks combining to create more of a spirit and a soul to the title. Taken on its own, it shines just as brightly as any other instrumental title; it works on all fronts.

Top Tracks: Gears Keep Turning, Infected Large and Hungry

Rating: 8.5/10

Gears of War 3 Soundtrack (CD) / 2011 Sumthing Else / 31 Tracks / http://www.sumthing.com

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