The Absolum OST features an incredible lineup of composers, including Gareth Coker, Mick Gordon, Yuka Kitamura, and Motoi Sakuraba—a dream team that has come together to craft the perfect soundtrack for our game.
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At Dotemu, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with one of the best partners in the industry: Kid Katana Records. For years now, they’ve been instrumental in helping bring our projects to life, handling everything from the distribution of physical OST editions to connecting us with incredible talent. You might already recognize their work from titles like Streets of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shredder's Revenge.
When we began developing Absolum, we knew we had to work with the best in the business. That’s where Tarafa and Rémy, the co-founders of KKR, came in. In their efforts in assembling the lineup for the Absolum OST, they truly have outdone themselves, bringing together legendary names like Gareth Coker (Ori, Halo Infinite, Prince of Persia), Yuka Kitamura (Dark Souls, Elden Ring), Mick Gordon (DOOM Eternal), and Motoi Sakuraba (Golden Sun, Tales of...).
Gareth Coker is our lead composer, and his role in shaping the overall sound of the game has been nothing short of essential. While we’re thrilled to have such extraordinary guest composers, it’s Gareth who has been the cornerstone of the entire score, ensuring that every note aligns perfectly with the world of Absolum.
Working with a composer of Gareth’s caliber can often lead to the temptation of reusing familiar themes, but with Absolum being our first original IP and a bold reinvention of the beat ‘em up genre, we were committed to creating something entirely fresh. Under Gareth’s guidance, we ventured into uncharted musical territory, using the score not just to enhance the visuals, but to truly elevate the experience of gameplay.
Let us introduce you to the dream team:
Gareth Coker is a British composer known for his evocative and emotional video game soundtracks. He gained widespread recognition for his work on Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. His compositions blend orchestral grandeur with delicate, atmospheric melodies, creating immersive musical experiences.
Yuka Kitamura is a Japanese composer, best known for her work on FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. Her compositions blend haunting orchestral arrangements with intense, dramatic themes that heighten the tension and atmosphere of the games.
Mick Gordon is an Australian composer known for his intense and dynamic video game soundtracks. He gained worldwide recognition for his work on DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, where he fused heavy metal with electronic and industrial elements.
Motoi Sakuraba is a Japanese composer known for Star Ocean, Golden Sun and Dark Souls. His orchestral work has made JRPG history, going on to influence the entire video games industry.
Creating the music for Absolum presented a unique challenge. With our game’s structure, we needed to strike the right balance between escalating intensity during combat while having moments to breathe in between. It was a lengthy process of playtesting, refining gameplay rhythms, and matching the tempo of the music to ensure everything flowed seamlessly. What sets Gareth apart is his hands-on approach. For him, composing is more than just writing music—it’s about forging a deep connection with the game experience. He wasn’t just thinking about the visuals; he was focused on the feel of the gameplay, ensuring the music resonated with every aspect of the experience.
Gareth also understands the narrative power of music. He intentionally reintroduces key musical motifs at pivotal moments throughout the game, creating a sonic story that complements the gameplay and adds emotional depth to the journey.
So, how does the collaboration work? Here’s a closer look:
Gareth is the principal composer, crafting the majority of the soundtrack. He’s worked closely with our studio, ensuring that the music amplifies the atmosphere and emotional impact of each moment. Christophe Hogommat, the game’s sound designer, has been a crucial part of the process, collaborating with Gareth to ensure every sound and note is perfectly integrated into the game.
On the guest composer side, Sakuraba, Yuka, and Mick have each contributed unforgettable boss tracks, each layered with depth and intensity. Their music helps elevate those critical moments in the game—marking the dramatic shift in rhythm and reinforcing the epic nature of each boss fight. When these tracks hit, you’ll know it’s time for a legendary battle.
And of course, a huge thank you to our sound designer, Christophe Hogommat. From sound creation to mixing and mastering, Christophe has been integral in bringing Absolum’s sound to life. His meticulous work behind the scenes ensures that the game’s audio enhances every aspect of gameplay.
We can’t wait for you to hear how these compositions come together in the game, but in the meantime… you can go listen to Absolum’s first four singles available right now! (with more on the way!)
Cheers,
The Absolum Team
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