Search - Atli Örvarsson :: Babylon A.D.

Atli Örvarsson's Most Thematically Complete Work To Date Is

Kaya Savas | North Hollywood, CA | 10/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While many people may be unfamiliar with Atli Örvarsson that shouldn't deter you from jumping into the pool and his score for Babylon A.D. is the best place to start. Örvarsson came from Iceland and is currently housed with Hans Zimmer at Remote Control Productions where he has been working as an additional composer on many Hans Zimmer scores. Zimmer (my favorite composer) served as Executive Score Producer on Babylon A.D. The most interesting part about that is that the score in no way sounds Zimmeresque. Atli Örvarsson has created his own voice here for this score.



The central theme is a solo vocal chanting "Agnus Dei" and it is brought in an out throughout the score. Overall the score is brilliantly structured from a thematic standpoint. I haven't seen the film (and probably never will) but the tracks provided give a nice sense of the overall emotional structure as well. The action tracks aren't over the top and they utilize synths and electronic percussion perfectly. The simple vocals give a sense of emptiness and create an echo for what I can imagine is the industrial, grey and cold future depicted in the film. "Babylon Requiem" is the highlight of the album and is an amazing track.



This is Atli Örvarsson's most complete work to date. It definitely is a case of a great score done for a bad film, but don't let that fact deter you from exploring it. If you hear some samples and like what you hear then I definitely recommend the purchase. His sound has matured since his last effort with Vantage Point and hopefully with a little help from Hans he can get attached to some higher profile projects because he definitely has what it takes to single himself out as a great film composer."

Opening track

Honda Rider | 03/28/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"The opening track that isnt on the album is called deuces by achozen, go to playlist. com and type that in to listen too it!"

A haunting peek at the potential of a rising composer

Nicolas White | White Post, VA USA | 12/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, it must be realized that this is the score (or orchestral background music) to the movie Babylon A.D., not the soundtrack consisting of the rock and rap songs by various artists used in the film. Unfortunately, that has caused some confusion and poor reviews for this soundtrack (hence me writting this review now).



What you don't get is the loud, rock-out that many people enjoy, despite the fact that it is a dime a dozen these days (and it is easy to find much better songs than the ones used here).

What you do get is (in my opinion) altogether much more worthwhile use of your money! Atli Orvarsson is co-worker and pupil of the master Hans Zimmer, and is finally getting to his own feet as a composer (in a similar way to Klaus Badelt and Steve Jablonsky who both have very successful careers now). In Babylon A.D., he has reached maturity. Filled with the same magical touch on the strings and haunting vocals that Zimmer copyrighted, Orvarsson also instills his own touch into this soundtrack, making it something completely his own. While somewhat expensive for a soundtrack (at the time of this writing it is $17.98 new), you will not regret putting your money on this one whether you are a movie score collector or a person looking for good reading and writing music! Enjoy this (I am)!"