Epic, emotional and inventive describe the action drama 300 and also its score. Written and produced by Tyler Bates (Dawn of the Dead, Rob Zombie's The Devil's Rejects, and Slither), Music From The Motion Picture 300 bo... more »asts a sweeping palette, embracing a tonal foundation unfamiliar to studio films. Orchestral and choral, 300 features the haunting, exotic vocals of Azam Ali, featured in world music groups Niyaz and Vas.« less
Epic, emotional and inventive describe the action drama 300 and also its score. Written and produced by Tyler Bates (Dawn of the Dead, Rob Zombie's The Devil's Rejects, and Slither), Music From The Motion Picture 300 boasts a sweeping palette, embracing a tonal foundation unfamiliar to studio films. Orchestral and choral, 300 features the haunting, exotic vocals of Azam Ali, featured in world music groups Niyaz and Vas.
"What could possibly be more epic than 300 warriors fighting to the death against hundreds of thousands? This was a question i asked after seeing the movie but now I have the answer: This Soundtrack. This album truly cover all the basis' of what the word 'Epic' means. From soft eerily dark melodies to engaging bombastic drumming and of course head first into the guitar driven battle themes.
This album takes you to a place known as Sparta and you will feel the as though you are the one leaving your family behind to march to war and almost certain death ('What Must a King do' & 'Goodbye my Love'). It empowers the listener to feel as though you are there shield to shield with your war ridden comrades as you feel the very earth below you shake due to the approaching enemy('The Hot Gates' & 'To Victory'). This is no mere Soundtrack to a movie but in fact the story of 300 men told through one thing all can relate to.. Music.
I urge you to pick up this album if you are interested. It truely is a work of art & is easily one of the greatest scores written to date. So if you are a fan of Epic Musical Scores or just Symphonic music in general than this album will be a treat for you. The aforementioned tracks are my favorites and you may wish to hear them to get a taste of what this album can offer. Truly a magnificent addition to my collection that has yet to leave my stereo. Thank you for reading and please check out both the movie & Frank Miller's amazing Graphic Novel all of this is based on."
Awesome use of musical resources
Barbara E. Jones | Royal Oak, MI USA | 03/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I checked this out because I loved the soundtrack for "Slither". I have neither seen "Slither" nor "300", but I collect soundtracks that move me. The use of full orchestra, electronics and voice are some of the best I've heard.
Also, I'm going to look up some of the works of Azam Ali. I rarely buy soundtracks with vocals in them, but I loved her vocal contribution."
Epic
Manit Pahuja | MI, USA | 03/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's very hard to describe this music in words; you need to listen to it in order to appreciate it. The music is perfect in every sense. It blends together very well and it has this historical feeling to it with its constant chanting. This is the first time I've heard from Tyler Bates and I'm amazed. And the music adds so much to the movie in terms of emotion and courage. Buy this if you're a fan of him or just like amazing music. You won't regret it."
The power, the mystery, the glory
D. E. Short | Clearwater, Florida | 05/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you knew the basic history of 300, or read the absolutely beautiful graphic novel, as I did going in to see this film, then the score probably did for you what it did for me, even if it was only subconscious.
I personally was overjoyed at the overall texture of the score from the first sounds to the last. At once the opening is drama and movement, expressing a moment where things are already in motion and moving towards a inevitable conflict. Every moment from then to the final battle holds within it a sense of a warrior's march towards certain sacrifice. The sense of almost arrogance in one's own strength, needed to face another with the final outcome being death. The unrelenting and uncontrollable pumping of the heart with anticipation. Even the softer more esoteric moments of the Ephors has a sense of sadness mixed with duty and purpose.
The score is stark, almost surreal, much like the original artwork and story. It is blunt, bordering on aggression, all of which fit perfectly with the mentality of the Spartans and the delivery of the film. This is not to say there was a lack of grace and subtlety.
On the contrary, there is a constant sense of structure. With flowing transitions and underscoring that allows the audience to breathe in the feelings evoked. And as much as I generally try not to perpetuate the over use of words, there is a "haunting" sense to the entire score. Mostly apparent during the softer moments, the feeling of tragedy to come, lilts through out. Even during the moments of victory and glory there is a sense of futile effort. That every note will be silenced, save for a few lamenting refrains.
I may be going overboard, but I loved the graphic novel, I loved the film, and I loved the score. And when you can interchange the score with the film and the book, somebody did something right. I could go on for pages on this score, but I simply leave it at this."
Excellent Soundtrack
Bearcat | Ohio | 03/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a top notch soundtrack. I have seen the movie and the soundtrack adds that needed extra punch to the movie.
If someone is rating this on the basis of a specific artist (as I saw in a previous review on here) that is not the appropriate criteria that should be used to rate. This is the soundtrack to a movie and not an artists album!