DIGITAL DOWNLOAD REVIEW - MEDAL OF HONOR (2010)


Medal of Honor (2010)
Music by Ramin Djawadi
EA Games
20 Tracks 60:20 mins

The latest in the series of Medal of Honor videogames leaves the theatre of World War II behind and brings us up to date with its Afghanistan setting, and focuses on the Tier 1 Operator, described as "an elite warrior and relatively unknown instrument of the US Military that operates under the National Command Authority, taking on missions no one else can handle.
Obviously, a whole new style of music was required for the game and Iron Man and Clash of the Titans composer Ramin Djawadi got the gig. His music mixes ethnic stylings with more western sounds in the modern electronic-percussive vein. There are suitably propulsive episodes, mysterious middle-eastern atmospheres, as well as more reflective and moving passages, topped off with the composer's noble, yet fateful main theme. For a full review of the score, I suggest you visit www.tracksounds.com/reviews/medal_honor_ramin_djawadi.htm. Whilst you're there, you may also want to check out an audio interview with the composer.
Personally, I prefer the previous, more traditionally orchestral Medal of Honor scores, particularly those of Michael Giacchino, but Djawadi's score has its moments, and if you are into the more modern approach to scoring, and like ethnic colouring, this may well be the very thing for you.
The Medal of Honor soundtrack is available as a digital download only from the likes of Amazon.com.