Press Release:
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is probably the greatest Castlevania OST yet created, and one of the better game scores, overall. Probably the most outstanding trait of this OST is that it is the most varied Castlevania soundtrack yet. Older Castlevania scores were too limited by their sound systems.

So what musical styles are present? An easier question might be, "Which ones aren't?" If it can work in a Castlevania game, you'll probably find it here. Those who have played the game are well aware of "Prayer". Featuring solely the chanting of two female vocalists, with its mournful, haunting feel it is the perfect track to lead off a Dracula adventure. "Tower of Evil Fog" is purely symphonic in nature, and although somewhat mild in intensity, conveys the dark mood of the series and the vast dungeon setting of the game itself. "Requiem of the Gods" features somber high-pitched chanting eventually accompanied by epitaphial pipe organ and well-placed gongs from a funeral bell. No question about this being a Castlevania soundtrack. Several tracks are supplemented by ambient sounds such as whispering wind, dripping water, and creepy forest critters to further the mood.

Finally, what Castlevania soundtrack would be complete without some old-school rock? It's present here in four or so boss themes, a couple tracks from the final stages of the original Dracula X, and the very catchy original stage BGM "Dracula Castle". However, these all pale in comparison to the hard-rocking excellence of "Young Nobleman of Sadness", which is Castlevania rock at its best. Although orchestral instrumentation sets the evil backdrop and provides some well-done transitions, it's the electric guitar that gives the track all its head-banging glory. With its memorable melody, professional arrangement, and high-quality performance, the track is an instant classic.

Final Verdict: Despite the typical presence of forgettable tracks and the nuances of the OST format, the disc is overall a great production with some true gems. Truly, a must buy for video game soundtrack enthusiasts.

My Thoughts:
Produced by Michiro Yamane, legendary production as always

Tracklist
1. Transformation NO.1
2. Prologue
3. Dance of Illusions
4. Symphony of the Night
5. Prayer
6. Dracula's Castle
7. Golden Dance
8. Marble Gallery
9. Tower of Evil Mist
10. Nocturne
11. Wood-Carved Partita
12. Gate of Holy Spirits
13. The Festival of Servants
14. Land of Benediction
15. Requiem of the Gods
16. Crystal Teardrops
17. Abandoned Pit
18. Rainbow's Cemetery
19. Silence
20. The Lost Portrait
21. Waltz of the Pearls
22. Cursed Sanctuary
23. Demonic Banquet
24. Wandering Ghosts
25. The Tragic Prince
26. Gates of Hell
27. Gates of Heaven
28. The Poetic Ballad of Death
29. Strange Bloodlines
30. Transformation NO.2
31. The Final Toccata
32. Black Banquet
33. Transformation NO.3
34. I am the Wind

Preview Tracks Below:


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