Review: 'Music From The Divinity Universe: Limited Edition Soundtrack'

please refer to previous post for track listing. the following numbers refer to the corresponding tracks mentioned above. please take note that this review was written at the same time as the one above.

1. i was slightly disappointed as the opening track to Beyond Divinity while rousing, feels a bit too generic. sadden a little bit as there's dialogue piece within that prevents the track to stand on its own. it is as if the listener has to be reminded that it's a soundtrack rather than a song in its own right.

2. the dialogue bit at the intro manages to ruin the mood. had this cd been the score for Divinity games, i would not mind. but being a remix, i was hoping for the songs to have chance to stand on their own.

3. i recalled an IGN reviewer described the opening track for Divine Divinity as 'slowly squeezing a mouse to death'. at least the track inspired such vivid vision to the reviewer. i, on the other hand, liked it as it's haunting, dark (& slightly depressing), & the instruments used successfully created an atmosphere for the game. but then this song can very well stand on its own. this should have been the opening track for this cd. one of kirill's best work.

4. this song has that 'howard shore' feeling to it in the beginning. not that this is a bad thing. i believe this works effectively in the game. however the sudden peak at the beginning of the song does make me expect for strong theme. it requires a few listening session to identify it though. kirill does it right in having quiet yet tense moment in the middle of the song. the build-up after that becomes meaningful.

5. the start feels generic but later on it becomes interesting. kirill again weaves his magic in using the not-so-common instruments & avoiding 'massive epic' sounds.

6. one of kirill's signature. strings are wonderful with the cello moaning at the background. kirill's best works are often the quiet tracks which evoke emotions.

7. another jewel, this quiet, haunting & yet beautiful track played by the instruments creatively & uniquely, giving it a distinct sound. kirill's wonderfully original. voices used are not overwhelming, which made it so effective.

8. this song has that 'joe hisaishi' feeling to it. i wonder if kirill has watched princess mononoke & listened to its soundtrack? the flute has that melancholic feel while the rest of the instruments weave a rich background. sadly the song turned modern with modern drumbeats & even an electric guitar utilising wah effect. taiko drums or brass gongs may make the right impact.

9. dramatically remixed, voin has definitely better intro than its original form. the flute with the same motif as track 8 returns, making this track feels as if it's a variation of the former.

10. the mournful violin is beautiful. this is definitely one of kirill's signature; quiet track with few instruments & emotional.

11. this track has the best intro with fleeting voice & a lone harp. another one of kirill's shining jewel.

12. slightly disappointed with this one though it shows promise. good ambience but too bad about the drums; too techno-like.

13. this cd is worth buying even with this track alone. kirill at his best, this melancholic song is one that i never get bored playing over & over again.

14. tempo steps up from the former track but it pays wonderfully. it paints eastern european (i'm guessing) motif creatively. voices are used well.

15. very 'joe hisaishi composing princess mononoke' feel. a relatively quiet track that's wonderful. simple yet identifiable theme to it.

16. i knocked myself in the head as my mind flashes 'joe hisaishi & princess mononoke' again. very rare for me to like kirill's rousing track such as this.

17. at first it feels generic but the 'soft' part of the track redeems it immediately with percussion of eastern flavour. i always love creative & unique percussions. sadly for me, when it climbs back to crescendo, an electric guitar wails & kills the atmosphere.

18. very regal. quite dark in a way for a track called celebration. unless it's not celebrated by the good guys. the military-like drums feels over-used though it fits into this track.

19. as the title describes, the colour of this track changes with different emphasis on background instruments while the main instrument carries the same tune. nicely done.

20. surprisingly more rousing than track 18, denoting a defiantly positive outlook.

21. slightly louder & slowly increasing build-up. a precursor to something big, this track is done well to give such feelings. voices are effective as they're not overwhelming.

22. another kirill's brilliant jewel; slow, quiet, with sparse instruments that play effectively. the theme is easily identified & followed.

23. what the guitar play may be simple but it is effective to lay the background of the track. nice build-up with one instrument at a time giving listeners idea on the number of instruments & how each creates a rich layer on the wonderful track. percussion is beautiful. the sparse usage of each instrument give itself & others a chance to shine.

24. nice crescendo to end the cd. sadly voiceover or dialogue at the last part spoiled that wonderful feelings created by previous tracks.

overall, this soundtrack is recommended for soundtrack buffs & anyone who appreciates good music.

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......a gift from LaFille......