I got it through the post today. Been busy most of the day but I've listened through it once, and started listening again and reviewing it track by track. Only done the first nine so far, will try and do the rest (theres 25 in total) tomorrow. Will also do general stuff like presentation etc. Remember this is all just my opinion, do purchase the album yourself and give it a try.
Each song review has the track name, artist (if not mention its just the composer Robert J. Kral), episode and a brief opinion/rundown of the song, then a final score and explanation for score.
Angel Main Theme
The Sanctuary Extended Remix
-Darling Violetta
The main Angel theme we have come to love interspliced with random extended bits, which kind of make it seem a bit odd, nice song overall though. Also has lyrics, but the only word that really is clear is “Sanctuary”.
Final Score- 9/10
It’s nice but I’m a fuddy-duddy. If the ‘normal’ Angel theme was present on the CD it may have got a 10 but it feels…different.
Start the Apocalypse
Apocalypse, Nowish
As the name suggests, a piece that changes between eerie slowness and sudden action, but does make you feel like joining in the apocalyptic fight, so it suits its needs. Toward the end there is the “meeting the beast” kind of moment where I sense some organ pipes, which is followed by slowness that again creates eeriness.
Final Score- 7/10
Too mixed for my liking, from eerie and kind of scary to action to eerie again. To quote Angel “Pick a style”
The End of the World
Apocalypse, Nowish
This piece is as dramatic as the title suggests, with slow drawn out sounds and a gentle background beat that implies danger. Its shortness also helps it, as it adds impact.
Final Score- 9/10
Captures the feeling of “the end of the world” well.
Massive Assault
The Thin Dead Line
An action packed piece that races around and kind of leaves you on the edge of your seat, which really kicks off when it speeds up and more instruments are added.
Final Score- 8/10
Again captures the mood but a bit too threatening for my liking.
Home
Home
A sombre dramatic piece that seems almost out of place after the last two. However it is a nice piece that really draws upon the emotions of the episode (of the same name) well. Poor Connor. Toward the end when it really slows down its just too touching for words, so I’ll shut up.
Final Score- 9/10
Overall just a nice piece.
Hero
-Featuring vocals by Elin Carlson
Hero
Onto another sombre piece, this time with background gospel-choir like things that fit in quite well with the idea that Doyle was overall a good guy. However half way through it kicks up a bit and that seems out of place. To me it seems as if its meant to be played during the fight that took place during the ep, so I believe it should come before the moody sadness. Also, it kinda gets a bit “Bond” for a while. Then later it slows down again, to me its all a bit too higgledy-piggledy.
Final Score- 7/10
Taking it as three parts; sadness, fighting and sadness again, they work well alone but together it seems like a mess in my opinion.
Judgment and Jousting
Judgement
Just what is needed for the scene, something high speed, intense and makes you want to joust (but that’s not recommended). Also has a bit where it slows, which you can picture them passing each other and turning round before it all flares up again.
Final Score- 8/10
Perfect action piece with bits of slowness that work well.
The Birth of Angelus
-Featuring vocals by Elin Carlson
The Prodigal
A moody piece that you can just imagine Angel brooding to. Set when Angelus first rises it nicely mixes the elements of a sad church-like funeral (complete with gospel choir-style vocals from Elin Carlson). It really sets the scene for the future of Angel/Angelus nicely.
Final Score- 9/10
A great piece that really captures the mood.
Rebellion
Darla
Another slow and dramatic piece that is almost unhearable at times, but none the less good. It has a creepy bit in the middle as the tempo rises to a sudden burst that dies down in a dramatic way. Another track that has gospel-choir sounds but not by Elin. Suddenly speeds up toward the end as well.
Final Score- 8/10
A nicely dramatic piece but at times feels a bit jumbled, however overall not a bad piece at all.
