In the realm of games that are far too ambitious for their own good, Atari’s latest Alone in the Dark is seated atop that regrettable list. Though, a few shimmering moments stand out from the decidedly mediocre experience, all with something in common; composer Olivier Deriviere’s mesmerizing score, humming in the background.

Evocative of the fire and brimstone presented in the game itself, Deriviere has composed a work of colourful pomp and blazing beauty. In his previous musical endeavours, such as the Obscure games, strings led the melody with meandering and occasional flirtations with the experimental – which made for a compelling, albeit cluttered score.

No such case in Music From Alone in the Dark, his latest and far more focused work. Opening with a soulful solo from the Grammy award-winning choir, the Mystery of Bulgarian Voices, “Prelude to an End” sets the mood brilliantly with a cyclical harmony of strings and angelic voices. A blazing beat on the percussion follows in “Edward Carnby” which reiterates the main theme with a little more punch and blend of different harmonic elements.

Deriviere’s epic chants drive the action with a laudable briskness in the game itself, and it carries over when listening to his pieces without the context of the game – they can certainly conjure their own imagery. The lamentably titled “Humanz” is a fine mix of the action packed with the atmospheric. It opens with a strange and eerie reverberation of voices, followed by a driving beat with occasional swells that make for one of the more frantic and varied pieces.

Reminiscent of the gothic tone of the game itself “Who Am I?” is without a doubt the standout track. Deriviere’s composition is in full form here, with a stunning rollercoaster pace and a gorgeously textured harmony between unique choral elements and bold orchestration.

As a videogame score, especially one that is for a horror game, atmospheric pieces are many and don’t enthral compared to the rich action tracks. And worse, they are mostly clumped together to a single section on the disc and as a listening experience it’s ultimately uneven.

With over an hour of music, it’s expected that some of it serves its purpose solely for the game. However, Music From Alone in the Dark is something of rarity in that it not only stands on its own, it even thrives without any visual context. Deriviere is an incredibly talented composer, his work is brimming with originality, and his efforts with Alone in the Dark are largely an overwhelming success. Sharply crafted and cinematic in vision, it will surely give you chills.

Listen: “Edward Carnby”

Listen: “Who Am I?”

Listen: “Crying New York”