and red vinyl to...

Having not seen Valhalla Rising by Nicolas Winding Refn, I could still tell that it is a pretty drab affair. This 2009 film follows a Norse warrior, a boy, and a band of Christians in pursuit of a Crusade set in 1,000 AD. The soundtrack, released by Milan Records almost four years after the film, features fifteen tracks, alternating between short soundscapes by Giles Lamb and Douglas MacDougall; and longer cinematic pieces (sometimes approaching the ten minute mark) by the actual composers of the score, Peter Peter and Peter Kyed. The atmosphere rumbles with low frequencies, digital growls, and viking drums. The dark ambient drones are incredibly sinister, sometimes diving into abyssal and infernal depths, where sin and evil suffer in pain. Although I’m missing the visual component of this story, I must admit that its sonic part makes up in full. Auditory images of sacrificial rites, demonology and Norse mythology fill the foreground of this canvas, while track titles, such as “Caged“, “Christians“, and “Into Hell” provide the story behind the film. This is not a piece for the faint-hearted or deep listening at nights, unless, of course, you dare to let the music scare you. If latter is the case, well, come on in, turn off all the lights, turn up you sub (or grab some seriously bass-heavy headphones), and immerse yourself in this cavernous and endless trip, preferably in a horizontal position. Milan Records is a Los Angeles based label releasing favorite scores by Max Richter, Jóhann Jóhannsson and Clint Mansell.

This version is not as complete as the Weme Records version, which has 5 extra tracks (and, in my opinion, better sleeve artwork).

don't sleep on this excellent soundtrack on WeMe Records, 2LP + 15 tracks

Except this isn't the Weme release, which is indeed excellent and shouldn't be slept, dozed or napped on

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