Soundtrack Release for Cancelled Earthblade by Renowned Composer Lena Raine
A new concept album titled Earthblade – Across the Bounds of Fate has been released by composer Lena Raine, known for her previous works on popular games like Celeste, Minecraft, and Deltarune. This comes in the wake of the cancellation of the game Earthblade, which was being developed by Extremely OK Games, the studio behind Celeste.
Initially, Earthblade was introduced during the Game Awards in December 2022, generating excitement for its potential as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Celeste. However, after several months without any updates, the studio announced the game’s cancellation in January 2023. The release of Raine’s album now offers fans a glimpse into the musical landscape of a game that will never be completed.
The album is available for purchase on Bandcamp for $7. It showcases Raine’s hallmark style, blending captivating melodies with a mix of electronic and traditional instruments. For instance, the track "Verdant Mysteries" features an intriguing vocal element, while "Lineage" presents an eight-minute piano piece that enchants listeners with its depth. The opening track, “Accept Your Fate,” starts with chords reminiscent of Vangelis, known for his work on the Blade Runner soundtrack, before shifting to a more somber tone.
In the album’s description, Raine explains that during the years spent developing Earthblade, she created numerous pieces, both conceptual and usable, that illustrated the game’s world. With the game’s cancellation, she decided to compile and arrange these musical pieces into what she calls a concept album, reflecting her own interpretation of the game’s narrative.
Raine emphasizes that the music is dynamic, aligning with the emotional journey typical of her previous work on Celeste. She strived to create an album that expands on the soundtrack format, going beyond what could have been delivered in a traditionally timed score. Inspiration for her compositions can be traced to prominent composers like Joe Hisaishi, recognized for his scores in Studio Ghibli films, and Yoko Kanno, known for her work on anime series like Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell.
Maddy Thorson, the co-founder of Extremely OK Games, expressed that canceling Earthblade was an emotionally complex decision. She described it as "a huge, heartbreaking, and yet relieving failure." The troubles leading to the cancellation stemmed from disagreements regarding the intellectual property rights of Celeste, primarily between Thorson and fellow team member Noel Berry, and founding member Pedro Medeiros. Thorson clarified that although there were tensions, Medeiros was not at fault for the game’s cancellation. Their separation allowed the team to reassess their direction and ultimately accept the need to pivot.
As Thorson and Berry begin prototyping a new project, Lena Raine’s score remains a poignant reminder of what Earthblade could have become. Raine’s approach to composition highlights her belief that melody plays an essential role in expressing emotions through music. She shared that even when focused on texture and rhythm, she often hums a melody, indicating her deep connection to the art form.
As fans listen to Raine’s new album, it serves as a bittersweet tribute to the creative vision behind Earthblade, offering a unique auditory experience that encapsulates the potential of the game that was never realized.
