As weird as it seems to conduct a review based on a game soundtrack rather than the game itself, sometimes in life we have to shift from the paradigm into a new direction.

Enter Harry-Gregson Williams: composer extraordinaire, who showcases a variety of "soundscapes" most producers dream of. From contrasting scores such as Kingdom of Heaven, Enemy of the State and Antz (to name a few), they only begin to graze the surface of Gregson-Williams' talent at composing musical scores. With a career spanning over one-hundred films, one can begin to assume that Konami made a wise choice by enlisting someone who can mold sound in the vein of Merlin with his alchemical prowess.

Now, the Metal Gear Solid series has always blended the atmosphere and moods from Kingdom of Heaven and Enemy of the State together.  A fusion of old world symphonic instruments and new school electronic rhythms, Gregson-Williams proves why he has been delivering electro-orchestral masterpieces since Metal Gear Solid 2.  With MGS 4, the composition will not disappoint those who may be true audiophiles, dedicated to labeling intricacies found within a song. At the same time, the soundtrack is just enough to curtail the MGS 4 story directly into the mood it needs to set, pleasing those who are just there for the ride.

Much of the playlist this round includes the usual fast-paced glitch induced drums blended with synthesizers, heavy guitars, strings and horn sections galore. This is the definitive soundtrack for all the world's super spies. With the inclusion of songs like "Love Theme" and "Old Snake," you can't help but shed a tear due to the sorrow brought by knowing this is Solid Snake's finale.  Those two tracks are wonderfully crafted pieces of music that should never be overlooked just because they are associated with a videogame.  

Off to my one and only gripe with this soundtrack. It lies in some of the production techniques within Gregson-Williams near-perfect opus. My issue is that Gregson-Williams introduces some fresh elements in the form of different production styles, yet some of the tracks occasionally sound a bit lazy and recycled ("BB Corps").  Now, as minute as the repetitiveness may be, it still is overshadowed, colossally, by the sum of its parts (all those great parts).

Thumbs up to Harry Gregson-Williams!!

Favorite Song: "Love Theme"

Rating: 4 out of 5 Bits

Note: The Metal Gear Solid Soundtrack CD is included in the MGS 4 Limited Edition. Otherwise, enjoy in-game.