Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Score: Viking Era Reception
When Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was released in November 2020, it marked Ubisoft’s ambitious foray into the Viking Age—a period characterized by exploration, conquest, and rich mythology. The game’s musical score, composed primarily by Jesper Kyd and Sarah Schachner, with additional contributions from Einar Selvik, played a pivotal role in shaping the player’s immersion into this brutal yet captivating world. The reception of the soundtrack was not only a testament to its artistic merit but also highlighted how music can elevate a gaming experience, bridging historical authenticity with emotional depth.
The Composers and Their Vision
Jesper Kyd, renowned for his work on earlier Assassin’s Creed titles like Assassin’s Creed II and Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, returned to the franchise after a long hiatus. His signature style—blending electronic elements with classical orchestration—lent a unique texture to Valhalla’s soundscape. Meanwhile, Sarah Schachner, who had previously impressed with her score for Assassin’s Creed Origins, brought her expertise in weaving historical instrumentation with modern composition. Additionally, the inclusion of Einar Selvik, a Norwegian musician and expert in Old Norse traditions, added a layer of authenticity through the use of period-accurate instruments and vocal techniques.
The composers aimed to create a score that reflected the duality of the Viking experience: the serene beauty of the Norse homelands and the relentless fury of battle. This contrast is evident in tracks like "The First Departure," which combines haunting melodies with rhythmic percussion, evoking a sense of adventure and foreboding.
Musical Themes and Instrumentation
One of the most praised aspects of the score was its use of traditional instruments. Selvik’s contributions, particularly in tracks such as "Ravensthorpe," featured instruments like the tagelharpa (a bowed lyre), bone flutes, and frame drums. These elements grounded the music in historical reality, providing an auditory link to the Viking era. The vocal arrangements, including Old Norse chants and poetry, further enhanced this authenticity. Songs like "The Sceptred Isle" and "Asgard" incorporated these elements to evoke the mythological and cultural dimensions of the narrative.
The score also masterfully balanced intimacy with grandeur. For instance, the exploration themes often featured sparse, melodic lines that mirrored the vast, frozen landscapes of Norway. In contrast, battle sequences were underscored with aggressive, percussive tracks that amplified the chaos and intensity of combat. This dynamic range allowed players to feel both the solitude of a longship voyage and the adrenaline of a raid.
Critical Reception
Critics and players alike lauded the soundtrack for its emotional resonance and historical fidelity. Many noted that the music was integral to the game’s world-building, seamlessly integrating with the visuals and gameplay to create a cohesive experience. Reviewers from outlets like IGN and GameSpot highlighted the score’s ability to enhance narrative moments without overpowering them. The main theme, "Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Out of the North," was particularly celebrated for its epic scope and evocative melody.
Einar Selvik’s contributions received special attention for their authenticity. His work, rooted in decades of research into Norse musical traditions, added a layer of cultural depth that resonated deeply with audiences. Tracks like "Hrafnsmál" (The Song of the Raven) were not only musically compelling but also educational, offering insights into Viking poetry and storytelling.
The score was also commended for its versatility. Unlike some open-world games where music can become repetitive, Valhalla’s soundtrack adapted fluidly to the player’s actions. The use of contextual music—where the score shifts based on in-game events—kept the auditory experience fresh and engaging throughout the lengthy campaign.
Cultural and Emotional Impact
Beyond its technical achievements, the soundtrack succeeded in humanizing the Vikings—a people often reduced to caricatures of mindless brutality. The music emphasized their complexity: their reverence for nature, their spiritual beliefs, and their yearning for glory and legacy. This nuanced portrayal was amplified by the score’s emotional depth, which captured the melancholy of exile, the thrill of discovery, and the weight of leadership.
For many players, the music became synonymous with key moments in the game. The haunting vocals of "The First Night of Samhain" underscored the game’s darker, more mystical elements, while the triumphant "Raid of the Isles" became an anthem for conquest. This emotional connectivity ensured that the soundtrack was not merely background noise but a core component of the storytelling.
Comparisons to Previous Titles
In the context of the Assassin’s Creed series, Valhalla’s score stood out for its distinct stylistic choices. While earlier entries like Origins and Odyssey drew on Mediterranean and Greek musical traditions, Valhalla embraced the colder, more austere sounds of the North. This shift was not just thematic but also reflected the evolving narrative focus of the franchise. The score’s reception demonstrated that audiences appreciated this evolution, welcoming both the return of Jesper Kyd’s iconic style and the innovative contributions of Schachner and Selvik.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
The soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has since been released as a standalone album, garnering praise from both gamers and music enthusiasts. It has been streamed millions of times on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, a testament to its widespread appeal. Moreover, it has sparked renewed interest in Viking-era music and instruments, inspiring covers, remixes, and even academic discussions about historical accuracy in media.
In conclusion, the reception of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s score underscores the importance of music in video games as a narrative and immersive tool. By blending historical authenticity with modern composition techniques, Jesper Kyd, Sarah Schachner, and Einar Selvik created a soundtrack that not only enhanced the gaming experience but also stood on its own as a work of art. It captured the essence of the Viking era—its grandeur, its brutality, and its beauty—leaving an indelible mark on players and setting a new benchmark for future titles in the franchise.
