Overview

Inspired by the success of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Turbine developed an MMORPG based on the franchise in 2008. An ensemble team, featuring Harry Chase, Brad Spears, and, most notably, Chance Thomas, created the music for the title and portrayed the various races, locations, and battles of the Tolkien universe. The special edition of the game included a bonus CD featuring 26 tracks from the game. Later, a free official download of the expanded score was made available. This review refers to the former release.

Body

For the most part, the soundtrack does a good job of portraying the characters and locations of Middle-Earth. The soundtrack initially captures the humble nature of the protagonists with the serene "Hills of the Shire" and lively "Bree-Land Jig". The evocative flute melody of the former is revisited at key points in the soundtrack — most notably the uncertain exploration "Silent Hope" — but isn't integrated as extensively as Shore's leitmotifs from the film soundtrack. But while the soundtrack is a little thematically barren, it makes up for it with authentic stylings. Both compositions are influenced by Irish tradition — perhaps in a manner that is too blatant for Middle-Earth — and the excellent instrument performances make up for their simple basis. The folksy component is further explored in "The Brigand's Tale", the jubilant jig "Autumn Ale", and, most impressively, the penetrating improvisation "Home from the Hunt".

Whereas most MMORPG soundtracks are meandering in nature, the music of The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of Angmar has a clear narrative direction. Even before the Hobbits are characterised, the soundtrack features an epic prologue and, just a few tracks in, the soundtrack shifts to incredibly dark moods with the chanting choruses of "Ride of the Nazgul" and driving percussion of "Wreck and Slaughter". Tracks such as bold orchestral march "Triumph of Men", the main menu theme "Far Ahead the Road Has Gone", or mystical elvaan hymn "East of the Sea" keep the focus on the Forces of Light, but an ominous undercurrent runs throughout the soundtrack. The incorporation of narration from Gandalf at key parts of the soundtrack is particularly effective at giving the soundtrack a cinematic thrust. Such voice-overs can nevertheless detract from the musical experience and, coming from a pale imitator of Sir Ian McKellen, can come across somewhat cheesy as well.

As a stand-alone listen, the soundtrack is certainly inconsistent. The compositions and narrations are generally too brief to compare to the cinematic epics of the film trilogy, and even key tracks such as "Hills of the Shire" and "East of the Sea" leave one desperate for more. The discreet nature of the tracks — and the abrupt transitions between them — results in shifts from light to dark that are too sudden for a fulfilling listening experience. Thankfully, there are some more substantial compositions such as "Lament for Oakenshield" and "Fell Deeds Awake" that take the time to draw listeners in and evoke deep emotions with them. In addition, the climax does not disappoint with the sinister cinematic cue "The Doom of Edhelion" and the gorgeously produced choral piece "Garth Agarwen". It does feel somewhat premature though — coming around the 30 minute mark following the omission of many notable pieces.

Summary

The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of Angmar soundtrack is an enjoyable addition to the Tolkien universe. The soundtrack lacks the depth and refinement of its expansion, The Lord of the Rings: Mines of Moria. However, it compensates by offering a variety of moods and styles, a narrative flow, and plenty of memorable highlights. Most would be advised to skip the special edition release in favour of the expanded digital release.