When Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök clinched the first-ever Grammy in the Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games category, it was a game-changer for the gaming industry. This achievement was celebrated by Simon Landry, Music Supervisor, and his squad at Ubisoft Music, along with Stephanie Economou—the award-winning composer who crafted this masterful work.
So, how do you whip up a soundtrack that garners critical acclaim? Simon shared his creative process at South by Southwest, giving us a peek behind the curtain of this epic musical journey.
A soundtrack forged in time and metal
Simon says it’s important to understand the game’s universe to “get on the beast’s wavelength.” He describes Svartalfheim as a “mythical world that is a mix of beauty and danger, a land where fire meets ice, inhabited by mythical creatures embroiled in war.” The narrative also played a huge part. “Given the larger-than-life story, we knew the score would need gravitas to match the characters’ highs and lows.”
Once immersed in the game’s universe, Simon’s team tackled the musical vision for the original soundtrack. “Due to the nature of the game, the music for Assassin’s Creed has always blended old with the new,” explained Simon. “The music serves as a time machine, like the Animus,” he added. Incorporating archaic instruments such as the talharpa, hurdy-gurdy, kantele, and bowed lyre, the soundtrack has a neo-folk sound that zaps players back in time.
To complete the vision, a modern element was needed—something heavy that would accentuate the narrative’s dramatic tones and forge the soundtrack’s identity. “Black metal was the perfect choice,” said Simon. “Combining the orchestral sounds of string instruments with the heaviness, structure, and code of black metal created something distinct.”
Influences from bands like Mogwai, Bathory, and Gorgoroth shaped the musical direction, while collabs with other artists were instrumental in the soundtrack’s creation,” Simon pointed out. “We were fortunate enough to work with the American metal band Wilderun, vocalist Ari Mason, and Einar Selvik—original composer for Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and black metal guru.”
With all the pieces in place, Simon was now on the hunt for his dream team to bring this musical vision to life.
A colossal team effort
Simon knew that putting together the right team was crucial for the project’s success. “Surrounding yourself with the right people, drawing on their experience, and building trust through candid discussions—this is what truly solidifies and brings a project’s vision to life,” he explains.
Thankfully, Simon had the support of his team at Ubisoft Music and Ubisoft Sofia, not to mention, Stephanie Economou, the brilliant composer behind the original soundtrack. When asked why he chose her, he admits that Stephanie was a no-brainer.
“I knew she was the perfect person to bring our vision to life. I was familiar with her work and felt like it resonated with the Assassin’s Creed’s universe, especially her mastery of the violin,” said Simon.
Simon sensed Stephanie’s rising star potential. Turns out, she became the first person (and woman, mind you) to win a Grammy for a video game soundtrack. Maybe Odin himself whispered that one to Simon!
Walking the red carpet
Winning a Grammy isn’t just about the shiny trophy. According to Simon, it’s also recognition for the quality, popularity, influence, and cultural impact of video game music worldwide. “The Academy acknowledging our work and our industry’s musical journey is an honour,” he concluded.
Experience the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök score by Stephanie Economou here: https://lnk.to/ACV-DOR3
