Celebrating Alan Wake’s 14th Anniversary with a New Soundtrack
Remedy Entertainment in collaboration with Epic Games and Laced Records, have unveiled the Alan Wake 2: The Original Soundtrack, available from May 14th. This release not only commemorates the legacy of Alan Wake, the game that carved its niche within the horror genre, but also enhances the narrative depth of its long-awaited sequel.
Fourteen years ago, Alan Wake introduced players to its eerie, suspense-filled world, quickly becoming a cult classic. Its narrative-driven gameplay and atmospheric settings drew players into a thrilling psychological horror experience, supported by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The game’s music was pivotal in crafting its intense, mysterious atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on the players.
The much-anticipated soundtrack of Alan Wake 2 mirrors the original’s captivating essence yet carves out its own identity. Available across major music services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, this collection is a masterpiece from Petri Alanko, the composer behind the original score. Returning to the series, Alanko brings with him a refined auditory palette that promises to deepen the game’s dark, immersive narrative.
“It’s been long time in the making, to say the least,” Alanko says.
“Having spent a good part of the last decade – and a few years more – with Alan Wake and his two worlds, the outcome of the soundtrack is about as coherent and on spot as can be from my point of view: this is how I want you to feel it,” he continues.
Alanko’s approach to the Alan Wake 2 soundtrack was akin to reuniting with an old friend, discovering both familiar and new elements to play with. The soundtrack consists of 35 meticulously crafted tracks that encapsulate the emotional and suspenseful journey of the game.
“Each musical cue is designed to emphasize specific sequences, enriching the players’ experience beyond visual elements. I carefully thought about the soundtrack. To me, be it a movie soundtrack or a video game soundtrack, it should work as an entity in and of itself,” he explains.
“Remedy is known for its high quality and storytelling – the same applies here. I am sure everyone experiences Alan Wake 2 at their own pace and rhythm. There are many possibilities to explore as well as paths to take within the game’s realms. I tried to include the themes and cues according to a general or average timeline, but of course there will be a lot of differences,” Alanko says.
“Petri’s score for Alan Wake 2, right from the beginning of the project, hit the mark with the deep unsettling tone that underlined the dark nature of the game,” comments Richard Lapington, Remedy’s Audio Director.
“While developing the game it was lovely to listen to how the score evolved and how the ideas formed. Even after listening to the game for hundreds of hours, I still hear new connection points and subtilties in the score, which is a true testament to Petri’s skills as a composer,” he continues.
The soundtrack also features unique contributions, including four chapter songs by the artist Poe, co-written with Creative Director Sam Lake. Additionally, the song ‘Yötön Yö’ (‘Nightless Night), penned by Lake and performed by Martti Suosalo (who plays Ahti in the game), offers a deep dive into the game’s thematic elements, resonating with the mysterious and eerie undertones of the game’s setting.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, the release of Alan Wake 2’s soundtrack is not just a nod to the past but a shining beacon for the future of the franchise. The soundtrack is a testament to the enduring impact of Alan Wake series, promising to bring fans an experience that is as nostalgically familiar as it is refreshingly new.
For a glimpse behind the scenes, check out the ‘Sound of Fear’ episode of our Behind the Scenes -series available on YouTube, which offers insight into the creative process behind the sound and music of Alan Wake 2.
