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MusicRadar
MusicRadar
Entertainment
Andy Price

“Rather than simply writing scary music, I wanted to express loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and the psychological aspects of fear”: We speak to video game horror soundtrack godfather Akira Yamaoka about the legacy of Silent Hill

Akira Yamaoka.

For many video game fans, the Silent Hill series holds a truly special place in their hearts. Not just a top tier horror franchise, but an emotive rollercoaster of character and drama, the franchise remains a key example of the unique storytelling abilities of the interactive medium.

Soundtracking close to every entry in Konami’s still-growing franchise, Akira Yamaoka is renowned for being a master horror-and-emotion sonic craftsman. One of the key creatives behind the series, Yamaoka has also been involved in Silent Hill’s cinematic spin-offs, most recently with the film Return to Silent Hill, which he also executive produced. Yamaoka’s scores have encompassed diverse instrumentation, blending industrial noise, chilling ambience, scintillating guitar and unforgettable melodies. Akira's chief creative goal is unchanging - serving the narrative.

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