Halo

Featured, Game Music

Game Soundtracks For Your Soul: Level 11

September 26, 2015 | Ryan Paquet | Comments Off on Game Soundtracks For Your Soul: Level 11 Share this

In this 11th edition of Game Soundtracks for Your Soul, like Spinal Tap I’m turning things up to 11. What I mean by this is I am looking back at some game music that at the time took game music to the next level.

There are some tracks that once you heard them you knew that what you were about to play was going to be the next level of gaming. So turn your speakers or headphones up to 11 (if you can) and come listen to some of the video game music tracks that for me, took the genre to places I never thought possible.

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Game Music

Halo 5 Soundtrack to Release October 30th

September 7, 2015 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on Halo 5 Soundtrack to Release October 30th Share this

It might not be a very Halloween-inspired release, but the soundtrack to the upcoming Halo 5: Guardians will be releasing via Microsoft on October 30th. Currently, the album is up for pre-order on Amazon in both a 2-disk CD as well a a 2-vinyl LP for $24.98 each, and will also presumably be released in digital formats around the same time.

Halo 5: Guardians is composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi, who also worked on Halo 4 alongside Neil Davidge, and was also a composer for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

Check out sample of the soundtrack from MathChief’s second channel.
Game Music

HALO: SPARTAN STRIKE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK NOW AVAILABLE

April 21, 2015 | Brenna Wilkes | 1 Comment Share this

Halo music fans rejoice, for the original soundtrack for the newest outing of the franchise, Halo: Spartan Strike, has just been released! Composed by Tom Salta (Red Steel, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon 2), the music for the top-down shooter that has launched for Windows 8, iPhone and Steam is now available for purchase on iTunes, Xbox Music and several other digital music outlets by 343 Industries

Salta is no stranger to the Halo series. He worked on Halo: Spartan Assault also and is continuing the work he started on there with Strike. The score was recorded with the New York Film Chorale and Macedonian Radio Symphonic Orchestra and features solo performances by celebrated musicians Jillian Aversa (vocal) and Steve Ouimette (guitar).

“Tom continues to be a great partner for our franchise, and has crafted a stunning musical offering that enhances the overall mix of the game and captures the sonic essence of the Halo experience,” said Paul Lipson, Senior Audio Director at 343 Industries.

Source: Top Dollar PR

To learn more about Halo: Spartan Strike, you can visit the game’s website.

Halo: Spartan Strike OST – iTunes | Amazon MP3
Game Music

50% Off Halo Soundtracks at Sumthing Else Records

October 30, 2014 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on 50% Off Halo Soundtracks at Sumthing Else Records Share this

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Bungie Studio’s Halo 2 and the upcoming release of The Master Chief Collection, Sumthing Else Records has announced that from now until January 2015, all Halo OSTs will be 50% off!

The press release by the company showcases the sale of all of the Halo soundtracks, from the original Halo to Halo Reach and Halo Legends, ranging from $4.99 for entire soundtracks, and $0.99 for individual tracks. The complete list of soundtracks on sale are:

Halo: Combat Evolved Original Soundtrack
Halo 2 Original Soundtrack Volume One
Halo 2 Original Soundtrack Volume Two
Halo 3 Original Soundtrack
Halo 3: ODST Original Soundtrack
Halo Reach Original Soundtrack
Halo Legends Original Soundtrack
Halo Wars Original Soundtrack
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Soundtrack

Featuring some of the most iconic music of the modern gaming era, the Halo series has done it’s due in continuing the advancement of music in video games. Probably not surprising is that Halo 4’s OST is not included due to Bungie’s departure from the series. Be sure to take advantage of the sale an Sumthing Else and grab yourself some awesome music!
Featured, Game Music

Halo Composer Marty O’Donnell Settles Lawsuit Against Bungie

July 24, 2014 | Michael Hoffmann | 1 Comment Share this

Last month we reported on a lawsuit being filed against Bungie’s chief executive Harold Ryan by composer and audio director Marty O’Donnell. Bungie had fired O’Donnell “without cause” back in April and was refusing to pay money owed to the composer. Much of this pay included unused paid time off, sabbatical time, and other benefits. This past week, the two parties reached a settlement over the matter.

According to VentureBeat, O’Donnell will be receiving $38,385 from Ryan for his unpaid time, including vacation time, plus another $38,385 for double damages, something that O’Donnell was seeking in his original suit. Adding up all of the legal fees on top of this, the Bungie chief executive will be paying out $95,019.13 to the Halo composer.

Bungie has still not given a reason for firing O’Donnell and has declined to officially comment on the matter, as of this writing. Bungie’s newest IP Destiny, which O’Donnell was working on, is set to come out this fall. It will be interesting to see what has happened with the music and audio on the game in O’Donnell’s absence.

Source: VentureBeat
Featured, Game Music

Halo Composer Marty O’Donnell is Suing Bungie Over Unpaid Benefits

June 6, 2014 | Michael Hoffmann | Comments Off on Halo Composer Marty O’Donnell is Suing Bungie Over Unpaid Benefits Share this

Back in April, the game development studio Bungie fired Marty O’Donnell from his position as audio director. It was reported at the time, and stated by O’Donnell, that he had been terminated “without cause.” It now appears that this matter is not going to end quietly. Before being fired by Bungie, O’Donnell was working on Bungie’s upcoming and highly anticipated game Destiny. Many people are no doubt familiar with the composer’s work on the original Halo soundtrack.

According to a report from VentureBeat, a suit was filled against Bungie and its chief executive, Harold Ryan, by O’Donnell back on May 1st. In the suit he claims that Bungie failed to pay him for several benefits, including paid time off and unpaid vacation time. As of May 27, Bungie has denied that O’Donnell is due any compensation.

O’Donnell is also pursuing claims of additional grievances against the company and Harold Ryan, which have not been revealed at this time. We will update on this once more information becomes available.

Source: Venture Beat
Miscellaneous

Halo Composer Marty O’Donnell Fired from Bungie

April 16, 2014 | Brenna Wilkes | 2 Comments Share this

As is circulating the bigwig gaming news outlets as we speak, Halo composer Martin “Marty” O’Donnell has been terminated by Bungie studios.

I'm saddened to say that Bungie's board of directors terminated me without cause on April 11, 2014.

— Marty O'Donnell (@MartyTheElder) April 16, 2014

Bungie has confirmed that O’Donnell is no longer in their employ.

O’Donnell has been with Bungie since their acquisition by Microsoft back in 1999, as is most well known for composing the main theme to Halo that has since become as iconic in modern video game music history as other well-known theme such as God of War and Civilization. He’s also had a hand in the production and sound design for other notable games such as Riven, Oni and was most recently working on composing the music for Bungie’s upcoming game, Destiny.

Speculations have since started to arise in the wake of the split between O’Donnell and Bungie, with fans of O’Donnell’s work wondering if he was simply ousted from the studio without legitamate reason or if there is more to it, and if he’ll end up going to work for Microsoft itself. Obviously in the early revelation of the news to the masses, it’s anyone’s guess until either party discusses matters further. In the meantime, we can all wish Mr. O’Donnell well in his future and hope to hear more from him soon, with whatever company that might be with.

Source: Twitter, Bungie