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.]