Year: 1997
Type: Original Soundtrack (OST)
Composer(s): Russell Shaw
Number of tracks: 6

★★★★★

Guitars from the depths

The Dungeon Keeper-series is one of those game franchises that worked exceptionally well back in the day and would have so much potential today if only it were properly rebooted. After all, who hasn't dreamed of having their own little realm, tormenting their minions, and owning a domain of terror? The fact that Peter Molyneux's god simulation was devilishly entertaining and Dungeon Keeper along with its successor, Dungeon Keeper 2 , are considered two very good games is well-known among gamers.

It's all the more unfortunate that Electronic Arts effectively dealt a fatal blow to the series in 2013 with the mobile spin-off, and comparable titles have never quite reached the caliber of the classics. All that remains are the fond memories and a touch of nostalgia. However, I lack the latter for the first part since I've only played the sequel. Perhaps that's why I can't really recommend the soundtrack of the original Dungeon Keeper.

The soundtrack is composed by Russell Shaw, who created the truly fantastic score for the Fable-series. However, in the dark demon lord dungeon game, we unfortunately don't get to hear much of Shaw's melodic talents. Instead, we are presented with ambient music over large parts, resembling a best-of compilation of stalactite cave meets haunted house. In Down Deep the music descends acoustically with elongated, plaintive vocals, reminiscent at times of the background tracks of the underwater shooter Aquanox 2 . Similar sentiments apply to the, in my opinion, weakest track, Mystical Tunnels, which with its 'mumbling' is perfect for the next stroll through Chernobyl but doesn't receive any love from me otherwise.

On the contrary, Soft Flute stands out from the spooky atmosphere, introducing a lonely flute that, along with simple piano chords, suggests a deceptive peace, not quite fitting the otherwise dark and serious score. In contrast, the more listenable part of the soundtrack do sound less like Russell Shaw and more like Frank Klepacki and his works for the Command & Conquer-series: Dungeon Keeper goes rock! In It’s Construction Time and Ghostly Waterways a steady beat sets the pace, accompanied by various sound effects, creating a cacophony that may not be exhilarating but doesn't bore either. This is also the first time the 'siren sound' is used, which also echoes in the sequel and is inseparably linked to the series for me.

Above this chaos of disjointed yet somehow fitting music hovers the main theme, The Horned Reaper, introduced by Gregorian chants and evolving into a headbanger track with cult status with the incorporation of the electric guitar. Unlike Command & Conquer , however, it unfortunately lacks enough melodic richness to truly become a catchy tune, and to compete with DOOM , it's noticeably too tame. Nevertheless, it serves as the jewel of the soundtrack and soothes the overall somewhat disillusioning impression.

No.	Title	Artist(s)	Ratings
1	The Horned Reaper	Russell Shaw	4
2	Soft Flute	Russell Shaw	2
3	Down Deep	Russell Shaw	2
4	Mystical Tunnels	Russell Shaw	1
5	It's Construction Time	Russell Shaw	3
6	Ghostly Waterways	Russell Shaw	2