Black Screen Records

Game Music, Indie Music, Reviews

SHADOWRUN: HONG KONG VINYL (REVIEW)

May 9, 2018 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on SHADOWRUN: HONG KONG VINYL (REVIEW) Share this SHADOWRUN: HONG KONG VINYL (REVIEW)

We recently reviewed Jon Everist’s soundtrack to Shadowrun: DRAGONFALL on Vinyl LP which you can read here if you missed it. The composer also provided OSV with a review copy of their Shadowrun: HONG KONG Vinyl LP. I first experienced this soundtrack back in 2015 and declared it a must listen, it also led me to choose Jon Everist as my pick for composer of year.

Listening to the soundtrack on vinyl for me was a new way to experience a soundtrack I fell in love with years ago. Read on for my full review of the double vinyl album, which includes a detailed look at the album art and packaging.

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Game Music, Indie Music, Reviews

SHADOWRUN: DRAGONFALL VINYL (REVIEW)

April 9, 2018 | Ryan Paquet | 1 Comment Share this SHADOWRUN: DRAGONFALL VINYL (REVIEW)

On February 26, 2018, Black Screen Records released the soundtracks to Shadowrun: Dragonfall, and Shadowrun: Hong Kong on 180g Vinyl LP. Jon Everist composed the scores and graciously supplied OSV with signed review copies of both albums and their respective art prints. This week’s review focuses on Shadowrun: Dragonfall, and my full review of Shadowrun: Hong Kong is on the way.

Over the past few years the release of video game soundtracks on vinyl has blossomed, and some have been more disappointing the others. I am very happy to report that this release does not disappoint. Read on for my full review of the album, which includes a look at the album art and packaging as it’s an essential part of the experience.

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Game Music

Divinity: Original Sin II Original Soundtrack Releases March 23rd

March 21, 2018 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on Divinity: Original Sin II Original Soundtrack Releases March 23rd Share this

The soundtrack to the PC and console role-playing game Divinity: Original Sin II is finally seeing a full album release this month. Originally released as a part of the Divine Ascension Upgrade to the game itself, this full album includes additional tracks including bonuses and alternate song versions.

The game’s music, crafted by Bulgarian composer Borislav Slavov (Crysis 2, Ryse: Son of Rome) received two nominations for Best Music and Best Sound Design for an Indie Game at The Game Audio Network Guild Awards. The album features 42 tracks performed by the Hungarian Studio Orchestra, with musical tones that denote its fantasy roots.

Video by Bob Green

The digital version of the Divinity: Original Sin II Original Soundtrack will be released by Black Screen Records on March 23rd and is available for pre-order now on Amazon and Google Play.
Game Music, Indie Music

Pre-Order Jon Everist’s Shadowrun DRAGONFALL and HONG KONG on Vinyl Now

December 1, 2017 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on Pre-Order Jon Everist’s Shadowrun DRAGONFALL and HONG KONG on Vinyl Now Share this

On November 30, 2017, Black Screen Records announced that they are bringing Jon Everist’s soundtracks to the HarebrainedSchemes (HBS) games Shadowrun: Dragonfall, and Shadowrun: Hong Kong to vinyl later this winter. Pre-orders have already begun, and the albums have already become top sellers for vinyl soundtracks on bandcamp. Shadowrun: Dragonfall will be available on limited edition clear 180g single vinyl, Shadowrun: Hong Kong on limited edition gold/silver 180g double vinyl.

Remastered by Christian Bethge at RAMA Tonstudio (Dear Esther, Another World, Syberia 3), Jon Everist’s cinematic soundtracks to the beloved Shadowrun series will get a high quality vinyl treatment through Black Screen Records with all-new original artworks by concept artists and illustrators Jenn Ravenna (Dragonfall) and Joel DuQue (Hong Kong) who both have originally worked on the games at Harebrained Schemes in Seattle. The vinyl soundtracks will be housed in poly-lined inner sleeves and will come with free mp3 download codes. Mock ups and additional layout by Dane Baudoin (Another World, Earthworm Jim).

“The Shadowrun series was a joy to work on, and will always occupy a special place in my memory. I felt humbled and privileged that I got to write themes for characters like Glory, and to fill the streets of dystopian Hong Kong with my unique take on this compelling and rich universe. The talented team at HBS and their fantastic writing made my job easy.” – Jon Everist

OSV interviewed Jon Everist back in June of this year, and he shared some details about his time working on the soundtracks for both games. Jon Everist also was my choice of of Artist of the year in 2015 for his work on Shadowrun: Hong Kong, and if you missed my “Must Listen” review of the soundtrack you can read it here.

The composer is also offering signed copies of each soundtrack directly on his bandcamp page, which are limited to 50 copies each. You can also purchase prints of the stunning album artwork.

Are you excited to hear these soundtracks on vinyl?
Game Music

The Earthworm Jim Anthology on Vinyl is available for Pre-order

August 15, 2017 | Ryan Paquet | 1 Comment Share this

On August 4, 2017, Tommy Tallarico confirmed that an Earthworm Jim vinyl release would be coming this year, and that more details would be revealed this week. On August 14, 2017 the details of the vinyl release were revealed. Black Screen Records, who have released some of the best video game soundtracks on vinyl will be handling the release spread over four sided 180g double vinyl.

The Limited Collector’s Edition comes in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with new and original artwork by Earthworm Jim artist Katherine Garner (aka Lemm/Rocket Worm). The packaging includes liner notes by Tommy Tallarico and two amazing full-colored “heart boxer shorts” and “cow pattern” inner sleeves on heavyweight off-set paper. The complete artwork will be refined with a matte finish and a special glossy spot varnish to highlight the incredible illustrations. The LP album will be pressed on “Groooovy!” limited Earthworm Jim flesh colored and opaque Snott colored vinyl. This Limited Collector’s Edition also comes with a unique download code that enables the customer to download the full digital soundtrack as well!

Black Screen Records

If you already own the Earthworm Jim Anthology digitally or on CD, this new version contains two new tracks. The first is “Intestinal Distress (Previously Unreleased)” and the second is “Earthworm Jim (Video Game Live Montage)” which I am guessing may be the final track that was previously available on the Video Games Live Level 4 Album.

You can see the full details of the album and make you pre-order at the Black Screen Records store. The vinyl will also be available for pre-order from major online and other retailers as of September 15, 2017.

Are you looking forward to this Groooovy vinyl release?
Game Music, Indie Music

The Inner World OSTs are coming to vinyl via BLACK SCREEN RECORDS

August 7, 2017 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on The Inner World OSTs are coming to vinyl via BLACK SCREEN RECORDS Share this

The soundtracks for Headup Games, The Inner World and it’s sequel, The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk are being released to LP vinyl in time for the latter’s release next month.

Released in 2013, the original game is a 2D Point ‘n Click adventure where you control the main protagonist as he explores the world and solves puzzles in an attempt to find the source of the wind’s disappearance in his world. A small indie game that received generally favorable reviews, the music for The Inner World was composed by Christian Barth, with Barth now heading up the soundtrack for the game’s sequel, The Last Wind Monk.

<a href="http://blackscreenrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-inner-world-official-soundtrack">The Inner World – Official Soundtrack by Christian Barth</a>

The music features atmospheric orchestration that remains subtle in both games and plays to the simplistic yet still engaging tone and gameplay. Subtle string and chime melodies create a charming musical backdrop for the journey of Robert the flute-nose.

<a href="http://blackscreenrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-inner-world-the-last-wind-monk-official-soundtrack">The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk – Official Soundtrack by Christian Barth</a>

The vinyl soundtracks come on audiophile 180g vinyl in gatefold sleeve with original artwork by developer Studio Fizbin and with an unique download code for both digital soundtracks as MP3s or WAVs. You can pre-order the black or purple & green variants of the LP release on the Black Screen Records website, or listen to the soundtrack for both game’s music streaming on Spotify, iTunes or on Bandcamp.
Game Music

VA-11 HALL-A Soundtrack is coming to Vinyl

July 28, 2017 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on VA-11 HALL-A Soundtrack is coming to Vinyl Share this

Black Screen Records has teamed up with composer Michael “Garoad” Kelly to the release his soundtrack to Sukeban Games’ cyberpunk bartender game VA-11 HALL-A on limited edition double vinyl this summer.

This limited Collector’s Edition includes an exclusive a one-sided A2 poster, a 12“ booklet with an fictional *Kira* Miki interview as well as three download codes for Prologue, Second Round and the soon to be released Bonus Track Collection (featuring *Kira* Miki vocal tracks sung by Adriana Figueroa). The tracklist was curated by composer Michael Kelly & all songs were remastered for vinyl.

<a href="http://garoad.bandcamp.com/album/va-11-hall-a-prologue-ost-sounds-from-the-future">VA-11 HALL-A Prologue OST – Sounds From The Future by Garoad</a>

“I had so much fun with the music. I was able to write from a very natural place and explore the sound of 80s and 90s anime OVAs which were a huge influence in building my approach to music – Titles such as Patlabor, Ghost in the Shell, Bubblegum Crisis, Demon City Shinjuku, Armitage III, Darkside Blues, Gundam Wing, and others. Games such as Snatcher, Shin Megami Tensei, Einhander, and Policenauts were also big inspirations for the soundtrack to VA-11 HALL-A. ” – Michael Kelly

Currently pre-orders are sold out on the Black Screen Records website but you can sign up for emails as to when it will be available. The full release will launch on September 15th.