Just in time for Lord of the Rings Online’s Update 27, Standing Stone Games finally posted Update 26’s full soundtrack to YouTube the other day. I’m not complaining, understand; I deeply appreciate that SSG is one of the few studios that seems committed to making patch soundtracks available for us video game music fans.
And I was certainly glad to bask in Mists of Wilderland’s score, because this is another great entry from Composer Bill Champagne. You knew that this OST was a cut above the rest when you heard the excited chatter about the new Lyndelby theme in the forums and world chat, and I think that there’s a lot of great gems to mine in the rest of the list here. Let’s take a listen!
“The Lay of Lyndelby”
The Shire music is among the most beloved in LOTRO, and I’m happy to say that the Lyndelby theme is worthy of being included in that Hobbity canon. It’s definitely its own beast, charming and homespun with a luring melody that suggests a party in the making. It’s an instant classic — and I love it.
“Danger in the Mist”
I think that this may be the first dark action track from LOTRO that I’ve actually liked in a very long time. There’s this sense of charging forward and making a valiant attempt to push back the dark, growing into — dare I say — an epic theme.
“A Crossing of Blades”
Continuing with the theme of urgent action, A Crossing of Blades is another above-average combat track that would enhance any tense encounter in the region.
“The Hole Builders”
As with the Lyndelby theme, Hole Builders manages to capture a slice of fantasy life that’s peaceful and personable. This is the kind of music that perks me up when I hear it in-game, because it communicates something tangible about the life of this world.
“The Last Mountain Home”
Really, just keep these guitar-and-flute combos coming, because they’re really working here. Last Mountain Home definitely reminds me of some of the themes from Grimbeorn’s house — simple, peaceful, and relaxing.
“The Thundering Torrent”
We’ll go out on a track that clashes and rages, with the melody attempting to stay above the chaos. In a weird way, it kind of reminds me of a conflict-themed track or two from Chrono Trigger, but that might be because I compare everything to Chrono Trigger’s score.
MMOs are meant to be heard as well as seen, and chances are that music ties your memories to these games more than you might realize. Every two weeks Jukebox Heroes listens through a game soundtrack and picks out the highlights to share and discuss. And if you like this column, then don’t miss the author’s MMO music podcast, Battle Bards!
