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A WARRIOR'S ODYSSEY
Music Composed and Orchestrated by Penka Kouneva
Recorded at The Bridge Recording in LA
July 2012
HWRCD-012
UPC 8 45121 05165 0
18 Tracks
Album Running Time: 48 mins
http://www.howlinwolfrecords.com/storeawo.html
Howlin' Wolf Records proudly presents a new cinematic orchestral album entitled A WARRIOR'S ODYSSEY by Hollywood composer Penka Kouneva (MIDNIGHT MOVIE and PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE FORGOTTEN SANDS game). A musical odyssey inspired by the traditions of film music and contemporary video games using a conceptual narrative rather than visuals. The album features 18 tracks: Epic Battle Themes interspersed with Heart-Felt Interludes. A WARRIOR'S ODYSSEY reflects Penka Kouneva's journey as a rising composer in Hollywood ...also known for her many collaborations with composer Steve Jablonsky on scores including PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE FORGOTTEN SANDS, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN and GEARS OF WAR 3 games. The tracks The Battle Must Go On and Pilot Bombardier and Dogfights have both been nominated for Hollywood Music in Media Awards in the category of Contemporary Orchestral/Instrumental.
Recorded during July 2012 at The Bridge Recording in LA, A WARRIOR'S ODYSSEY Features many extraordinary musicians including Fred Emory Smith, Chris Lord, Dave Holden, Mike Rubino, Christian Ulstrup, Stephen Erdody, Nathan Barr, Tim Davies, Katia Popov, Lorand Lokuszta, Andrew Duckies, MB Gordy, and Justin R. Durban. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by John Rodd.
A WARRIOR'S ODYSSEY features a 12-page booklet with beautiful artwork created by Ognian Bonev, insert designs by Luis M. Rojas, and liner notes authored by Gergely Hubai.
Track Listing
01 Waiting for Dawn to Break 3:13
THE BATTLE BEGINS
02 Storming the City Heights 2:44
03 Mission Fail 1 1:57
04 A Soldier's Odyssey
Part 1: At a Soldier's Grave / Part 2: Engaging the Enemy 5:09
05 A Soldier's Odyssey
Epilogue: Flowers at a Monument 1:12
06 Sniper Attack 5:48
07 Confrontation from a Lo-Fi Dimension 1:39
FARAWAY LANDS, ANCIENT TIMES
08 Forgotten Steeples 1:12
09 Chase Through Crete 1:43
10 Between Eden and Distant Fields 1:53
11 Minotaur Battle 3:48
THE BATTLE MUST GO ON
12 Fading Fortitude / The Battle Must Go On 4:04
13 Farewell to the Pilot 2:25
14 Pilot Bombardier and Dogfights 2:46
15 The Wanderer 3:21
16 Broken Watch 1:55
17 Mission Fail 2 and Requiem 2:07
18 Airplane Bound for the Skies 4:30
To celebrate the release of A WARRIOR'S ODYSSEY, MIDNIGHT MOVIE is currently on sale for a very limited time with limited quantities for $7. http://www.howlinwolfrecords.com/storemidnightmovie.html
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I would like to throw my two cents in about this score. It's splendid. Many know I'm an orchestral guy and like very little electronics/synths whatever you want to call them in my music. Times it works, least for me I'm happy like LINK, HOOSIERS to name a couple, but Penka's album has the perfect blend of orchestra, solo instruments, many by the cello which is what I play and electronics. She has the perfect balance, least for my ears to have everything come together into a perfect bliss. The liner notes were also great to read and really gave you some indepth information on this talented composer who, in my opinion, is about to hit the stratosphere. Penka has worked on several films and video games and I think we are incredibly close to see her name on some of the biggest blockbuster films with the titles that read MUSIC COMPOSED BY PENKA KOUNEVA.
You better pick up this CD now so you can start to realize the talents that this woman has within her soul as it's felt and heard on this glorious CD.
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Posted: |
Oct 4, 2012 - 8:00 PM
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By: |
losher22
(Member)
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Kaya Savas' review of this score, taken from Film, Music & Media:
I am a believer in the fact that music must be able to stand on its own. If music doesn't stand apart from the picture then it usually means it's a weak score. Flip this around and it goes the same for the picture. If the image cannot stand on its own then it's a weak image. Only when the two standalone mediums of storytelling combine is when something magical happens. For A Warrior's Odyssey we get something truly special from composer Penka Kouneva. Penka has worked on composers' teams on many blockbusters such as Transformers, The Matrix Revolutions and Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End. This album is a standalone album, but it's inspiration and emotion is deeply rooted in images. Over her many years composing for films, TV and games she has amassed many different genres under her style. What this album does is express all that in a uniformed action experience. She channels mostly her work in video games and her work with Steve Jablonsky to craft a true musical expression.
The music here is telling a story that could have been plucked out of a film or a game. The arcs and the emotions are all flowing and they carry the listener on a terrific journey. Her European voice comes through loud and clear as she is definitely channeling her human experiences growing up in Bulgaria. She blends those classical sensibilities with modern sounds and textures that demonstrates a very well honed control over the music. The melodies are simple and elegant, but have a strong emotional presence. It's very easy to add layers of textures to music and have it become a jumbled mess, but that's never the case here. The action tracks are structured terrifically with rising and falling action that keeps the tempo moving when it needs to. Then we have a few quieter tracks that build subtle emotions such as "Forgotten Steeples", which happens to be one of my favorite tracks on the album. The fact that this is not a score to a film or a game she is able to incorporate some more varying styles and sounds, but it still manages to blend into one beautiful journey.
A Warrior's Odyssey is a must listen for anyone who loves the blending of classic sensibilities with the modern sound found in films and games today. Kouneva establishes a strong central voice for what clearly has her deep personal stamp on every note of music. The album is structured very well and within 30 seconds you'll be sucked into what feels like a narrative score to a film. A wonderful effort and a wonderful experience for the listener.
3 of 4 Stars
http://www.filmmusicmedia.com/reviews/awarriorsodysseybypenkakounevareview
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Posted: |
Nov 12, 2012 - 8:05 PM
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By: |
DeputyRiley
(Member)
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This album is phenomenal, exciting, noble, unique, stirring, and catchy as hell with some great melody. It is apparent that Kouneva pushed herself hard with this one, gave it 110%, and really challenged herself. It completely pays off as she reveals even more shades of talent and creativity to her ever-expanding repertoire of work.
Penka will be around for awhile -- she's only just begun to impress. I feel this album will help further illuminate her existing depth and skill as a composer as well as introduce her sound to any new listeners who want to discover a true shining talent on a meteoric rise.
And of course the album speaks for itself, but the fact that proceeds are going to charity to the tune of 50%...well, what more reason does one need to check out A Warrior's Odyssey? Trust me, do yourself that favor -- you'll have a hell of a good time with this outstanding music
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