When Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was announced back in 2011, it was called "The most anticipated game of the year." I'm not sure if it lived up to the hype, but the music sure was pleasing. As the final concluding chapter in the series, I believe that it did.
The reveal trailer features Audiomachine's Akkadian Empire, but you will not be able to hear it very well unless you have previously heard the song yourself. Watch the trailer below and see if you can pick up the basic theme.
Did you hear it? The music that is playing is in fact from Akkadian Empire, but the catch? The percussion stems are the only thing that is present from the original track.This is an interesting way of going about this campaign, which seems to fit the trailer perfectly. The increasing intensity and simple sound are a good match for what is going on in the video. After all, this is just a reveal trailer.
Now listen to the master mix with all of the stems combined (below). When you watch the video above again, you can almost hear the choir where it used to be.
I suppose this track is simple in nature to begin with, and very short, but with a good level of intensity. The drums truly are epic and fun to listen to, so here it is once more. The same stem that is used in the reveal trailer, but without all of the extra sounds. Just pure percussion.
It is very interesting to see how the advertising company manipulates the music to fit their needs in trailers. This is the least amount of music from the original mix that I have come across when it comes to trailers. I admire creativity, and that can come from original work, or how someone can take that work and change it up. Do you know of some instances where the music is changed significantly?
Brian Tyler scored 2011's most anticipated game, and the concluding chapter to the (arguably) greatest Call of Duty games ever made. The epic story just doesn't compare to later releases. Today's score, Modern Warfare 3, is almost too good for the game. Don't get me wrong, the game was fantastic, but the music is just so good.
The beginning theme starts things off very slow with an intriguing percussion and soothing string melodies. While it begins to build up, the intense music to come is foreshadowed. Brian Tyler wrote one of the best video game scores that I have ever listened to. MW3 is an orchestral masterpiece that occasionally gives us some electric guitar, but mostly focuses on the natural orchestral sounds.
Prague Hostilities is a new take on the once peaceful sounding theme from the beginning and adds a feel of unresolved conflict and dark bass. Intense action is frequently heard due to the game's setting and subject, but that intensity is toned down with slow build ups and moments that are mysteriously calm.
I admire the use of the viola in the beginning of I Stand Alone because it has a very unique and unusual sound at times. The viola gave this track an interesting sound to start it off. The ending is equally enjoyable, featuring the main theme that rises and gives a somewhat victorious feel before ending with the brass and percussion hitting a note that does not sound like a resolving victory.
Hamburg invasion introduces the electric guitar as we enter deeper into this war that spans the globe. Once again, the main focus is the orchestra. Now, when you reach Battle For New York, there is an exception. The excellent orchestral representation of the war is intense, a little victory medley in the middle before reaching a quiet, calm state. Just when it seems nothing is going to happen, you wait, before you suddenly get slammed in the face with the electric guitar. Were you expecting that?
Interestingly, two excellent film composers worked on the previous title, giving this series a true cinematic feel and sound. Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe scored Modern Warfare 2, but Brian Tyler was much needed for Modern Warfare 3. This is the last chapter where everything gets crazy and the final confrontation and resolve is met. This requires much more intensity in the music.
I admire creativity, and I almost believe that this is one of Brian Tyler's most creative and original work. Consider the brilliantly placed electric guitar so that it actually sounds good. Also, the occasional synth appearances are welcome additions. The various percussion techniques and instruments used help give each track a sound different enough to distinguish from each other, but consistent in overall sound.
Paris Siege is an epic five minutes of unrelenting tension that stands out as one of the most interesting pieces throughout the score. Special Forces brings back that electric guitar experience from Battle For New York, but at a much lighter scale. It gives off an epic feel that seems to sound like things are going good for the right side.
The main theme for Modern Warfare 3 is one of the most memorable, so I am glad to hear it brought up frequently, but not too frequently. It can sometimes get annoying hearing the same theme over and over again, but there is a perfect balance. You are actually excited to hear it when it shows up.
One thing that Brian Tyler wrote into this score is some quieter parts that tone down the action so that we are not always racing toward the goal. There is some sneaking that goes on, but sometimes you get caught and you have no choice but to shoot your way out of the situation.
MW3 End Credits is an epic conclusion to this great score, presenting the main theme once more. The strings give you a huge performance that bring a close to this adventure and leave you with a satisfying ending. What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite game score?
