In the realm of musical storytelling, there exist pieces that transcend their original purpose, speaking to us in ways both intimate and profound. Such is the case with the latest offering from Matt Makes Games, the visionary studio behind the critically acclaimed Celeste. Nearly two years after the cancellation of Earthblade, the highly anticipated follow-up to their breakout hit, the game’s composer has unveiled a concept album that brings the studio’s shelved project to life through the universal language of sound. This ambitious album stands as a testament to the creative vision that once was, and invites listeners to immerse themselves in the sonic landscape of a world that could have been. Let us delve into the enchanting aural tapestry that is Earthblade, and discover the story that was meant to be.
Celeste Composer Breaks Silence on Earthblade
Grammy-nominated composer, Matt Makes Games (aka Matt Thorson), has unexpectedly released an immersive 22-track concept album for Earthblade, the long-canceled follow-up to the critically acclaimed Celeste series.
The concept album, also titled Earthblade, features a diverse array of atmospheric and experimental tracks, each showcasing Thorson’s unique ability to capture the essence of an emotional experience through sound. The album’s release comes as a surprise, given the game’s cancellation in 2022. However, Thorson has chosen to share the incredible work he had done on the project, creating an otherworldly and poignant listening experience.
Track Highlights:
- Forever (A stunning piano piece evoking themes of hope and loss)
- Grotto (An atmospheric soundscape transporting listeners to mystical worlds)
- Climb (An energetic, pulsing track capturing the thrill of ascending unknown heights)
- Mourning (A somber, heart-wrenching composition inspired by moments of heartache)
- Starlight (A gentle, ambient melody illuminating the mystery and beauty of celestial bodies)
Key Features of the Album:
| Number of Tracks | 22 |
| Album Genre | Experimental / Atmospheric Soundscapes |
| Release Date | Available Now |
| Listening Time | Approx. 45 minutes |
Unpacking the Concept Albums Musical Narrative
Concept albums have been a staple of music storytelling for decades, offering a deeper dive into the artist’s vision and creative expression. A carefully crafted narrative can elevate the listening experience, making the album more than just a collection of songs – it’s an immersive journey. In the case of the Earthblade concept album, the narrative is just as crucial as the gameplay, providing insight into the world, its characters, and their struggles.
| Narrative Devices | Functions | |
|---|---|---|
| Storytelling through lyrics |
|
Emotional resonance |
| Instrumental soundscapes |
|
Immersive experience |
The use of narrative devices like storytelling through lyrics and instrumental soundscapes helps to create a rich tapestry, weaving the songs together into a cohesive whole. By employing these devices, the composer can craft an experience that’s both personal and universal, allowing listeners to connect with the music on a deeper level.
A Sonic Exploration of the Cancelled Game
As one delves deeper into the world of Earthblade, sonic landscapes unfold like the gentle whispers of a lost civilization. Within the realms of this concept album, Celeste composer Matt Makes Games weaves an intricate tapestry of emotions, echoing the eerie beauty of a forgotten world. The album, as a soundscape, seeks to transport listeners to the highs and lows of the game’s narrative, unearthing the secrets hidden within the abandoned code.
Key tracks include:
- Aether’s Lament: A poignant ballad of atmospheric instrumentation and haunting melodies, a glimpse into the heart-wrenching narrative of Aether, a main character who longs for connection in a desolate world.
- Flight of Solitude: An ethereal journey through clouds of synthesizers, evoking the sense of celestial isolation as Aether embarks on her perilous voyage across the skies.
- Whispers from the Earth: An immersive soundscape that harnesses the mysterious pulsations of the earth’s core, allowing listeners to tap into the realm’s mystical frequencies.
| Track Number | Track Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aether’s Lament | 4:59 |
| 2 | Flight of Solitude | 6:15 |
| 3 | Whispers from the Earth | 7:39 |
Earthblades Soundtrack Breathes New Life
The sound design and instrumentation weave a captivating narrative, allowing listeners to delve into the enchanted world that was Earthblade. Musical elements blend effortlessly, transporting us to lush forests and vast landscapes that likely would have been part of the cancelled title. The score seamlessly shifts between melodic crescendos and gentle interludes, tugging at the heartstrings with the weight of what could have been.
For fans of Celeste and the mysterious Earthblade, this concept album serves as a poignant reminder of a game that never came to be. The tracklist offers a thematic exploration of the title’s unfulfilled promise:
- Forgotten Realms – An otherworldly melody evoking lost lands
- Windbound Plains – Sweeping strings and pulsating percussion that evoke a sense of limitless possibility
- The Great Library – Whispers of an ancient, forgotten lore, entwining piano and gentle chimes
| Track | Duration | Instruments |
|---|---|---|
| Forgotten Realms | 5:15 | Piano, Cello, Glockenspiel |
| Windbound Plains | 7:00 | Violin, Percussion, Ambient Synths |
As the album unfolds, it paints a haunting portrait of a game that, though never realized, has finally found a voice in this ethereal concept album.
A Haunting Odyssey Through Uncharted Realms
In the realm of unforeseen musical journeys, there exists a world of uncharted sonic landscapes, crafted by visionary composers who dare to venture into the unknown. With the release of the concept album for Earthblade, a cancelled follow-up to the critically acclaimed Celeste, the music takes center stage, transporting listeners on a haunting odyssey through the depths of the unforgotten game.
The concept album weaves a narrative rich in tension and emotional depth, exploring the uncharted realms of Earthblade through an intricate tapestry of sound. The album’s composition is a testament to the artist’s innovative approach, showcasing a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of sound and atmosphere. Some of the key tracks that encapsulate this essence include:
- Abandoned Sanctum: A haunting melody that evokes the sense of desolation and longing, set against the backdrop of an ancient, crumbling world.
- Fractured Skies: A poignant blend of eerie soundscapes and discordant harmonies, capturing the turmoil of a world in chaos.
- The Lost Expedition: An eerie, pulsing rhythm that mirrors the sense of unease and disorientation, as if navigating a labyrinth of lost hopes and forgotten dreams.
| Track | Duration |
|---|---|
| Abandoned Sanctum | 05:49 |
| Fractured Skies | 07:14 |
This concept album stands as a poignant reminder that, even in the realm of cancelled projects, beauty and imagination can thrive. As we embark on this sonic journey, we’re reminded that the true essence of music lies not in its commercial success, but in the emotions it evokes and the worlds it creates.
Reimagining a World that Never Was
Within the realm of Earthblade, the now-cancelled successor to Celeste, its composer has given life to an alternative narrative – an aural tapestry that whispers tales of what could have been. Through an evocative soundtrack, the shards of a forsaken world are woven together, painting a picture of an existence bound to the axis of memory and reality. Fragments of sound bridge the chasm between forgotten lore and a mysterious presence, creating a synergy that echoes the potential of Earthblade.
As we delve into this ‘concept album’, echoes of hope and desolation converge in an ephemeral dance. It becomes apparent that this enigmatic soundtrack represents more than just the absence of Earthblade – it’s a gateway into an unseen realm where emotions ebb and flow in an attempt to redefine what was lost. Through contemplative notes and melodies, the veil separating reality and fantasy is lifted, revealing the threads that hold together the concept of Earthblade. This becomes the foundation for an immersive experience that might leave the listener questioning what lies beyond the periphery of what we experience.
| Composer Insights | Earthblade Themes |
|---|---|
| Elaborate instrumentation evoking mystery and loss | Sonic Landscapes mirroring fractured memories |
| Careful manipulation of tempo, reflecting turmoil and introspection | Alternative reality and interdimensional dialogues |
| Experimentation with abstract narrative techniques | Fractured realities, ever-shifting ecosystems |
- Sonic landscapes delve into abandoned concepts
- Instrumentation shifts between ominous and delicate harmonies
- Bias toward subtle narrative expansion over linear storytelling
Behind the Composers Vision for Earthblade
Behind the Composer’s Vision for Earthblade
With the release of the concept album for Earthblade, the composer’s vision for the cancelled game comes into focus. As a companion piece to the game, the album serves as a sonic exploration of the game’s narrative and themes. The composer’s inspiration draws from various sources, including:
- Natural Environments: The sounds of the earth, from the rustling of leaves to the crashing of waves, provided a rich tapestry of inspiration for the composer.
- Mythological Folklore: Mythical creatures and ancient legends influenced the composition’s narrative thread, weaving together a story of discovery and exploration.
- Emotional Landscapes: The album’s emotional resonance was crafted to evoke a sense of longing and wonder, reflecting the game’s core themes of self-discovery and connection with the natural world.
The concept album is structured to mirror the game’s narrative arc, with each track representing a distinct chapter in the journey. The composer employed a range of techniques to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience, including:
| Instrumental Palette | Piano, Guitar, Woodwinds, Percussion |
| Composition Techniques | Layering, Texturing, Harmonic Experimentation |
| Sound Design Elements | Nature Sounds, Environmental FX, Found Sounds |
This deliberate approach to composition resulted in a rich, cinematic sound that invites listeners to step into the world of Earthblade.
A Thematic Analysis of the Concept Album
The concept album delves deep into the world of Earthblade, unraveling the narrative threads that were meant to be explored in the cancelled game. The thematic architecture of the album is characterized by stark contrasts, with tracks oscillating between celestial and terrestrial elements, reflecting the duality of the game’s universe.
Some of the recurring motifs in the album include:
- The struggle for balance between the forces of nature and the awakening of a new world.
- The fragmented nature of memory and identity, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the game’s protagonist.
- The interconnectedness of all living things, as embodied by the intricate web of relationships within the game’s world.
| Key Tracks | Themes |
|---|---|
| Exordium, Umbra | Origins, Loss, Transformation |
| Verita, Aetherium | Discovery, Balance, Synthesis |
| Caelum, Terra | Harmony, Discord, Reconciliation |
Crafting Emotions Through Soundscapes
In the realm of video game soundtracks, a distinct shift is taking place. Composers are now actively seeking to push the boundaries of emotional storytelling, moving beyond the conventional in-game experience to craft immersive soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners. This concept is exemplified in the recently released concept album for Earthblade, a cancelled project from the creators of Celeste. With an emphasis on evocative instrumentation and otherworldly sound design, the album takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of the human emotional spectrum.
Experimenting with Sound
One of the defining features of the concept album is its eclectic approach to instrumentation. Featuring a diverse range of sounds, including:
- Haunting piano melodies
- Ethereal choral arrangements
- Distorted electronic soundscapes
| Sound | Instrumentation |
| Piano Melody | Steinway Grand Piano, Soft Mallet |
| Electronic Distortion | Overdriven Synthesizers, Effects Pedal |
| Choral Arrangement | A Capella Choir, Orchestral Accompaniment |
These combinations serve to elevate the emotional impact of the music, evoking a profound sense of introspection and self-discovery in the listener.
In Summary
With the release of the concept album, we’re given a glimpse into a world that could have been, a haunting reminder of the elusive potential of Earthblade. Matt Makes Games, composed of Matt Thorson and his team, including the exceptional talent of Celeste composer, Lena Raine, proves once again that even in cancellation, there lies a profound sense of harmony. As the last notes of this concept album fade away, we’re left to ponder what could have been, yet simultaneously, we’re gifted with a testament to the artistry that would have brought Earthblade to life. The bittersweet melody lingers, an elegy to a canceled dream, and an ode to the indomitable spirit of creativity that refuses to be extinguished.
