Game of Thrones soundtrack guide: 5 background scores that made these brutal sequences even more haunting 

A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)
A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)

The Game of Thrones soundtrack has played a crucial role in enhancing the immersive viewing experience of the gripping story for fans. The composer of the famous HBO show was Ramin Djawadi and shaped how the audience perceives the show's most chilling moments.

His work went beyond ordinary background noise. The scores turned brutal sequences into memorable cinematic moments. Every track is carefully crafted to match emotions on screen with accuracy. Djawadi won several Emmy Awards for his contributions to the show.

His music helped tell narratives without using any lyrics. The Game of Thrones soundtrack utilized distinctive instruments for each character and house. The creator developed themes that evolved as the narrative progressed. The series ran for eight years. During this time, the Game of Thrones soundtrack turned into a cultural phenomenon. Fans went to the extent of recording their own version of the themes on social media.

The music connected deeply with viewers worldwide. Here are five background tracks that made all the brutal scenes even more terrifying.


The top five Game of Thrones soundtracks that added more drama to brutal scenes

Light of the Seven added more fear to the Sept of Baelor's destruction

youtube-cover

This Game of Thrones soundtrack introduced piano in the sixth season. Light of the Seven played during Cersei Lannister's evil scheme coming to reality in the episode called The Winds of Winter. The runtime of this track is over nine minutes, and Djawadi employed organ, piano, and two boy soloists for this track. The creators sought a new background score that would not give away the impending doom to the audience.

The track builds tension gradually as Cersei's plan unfolds. The International Film Music Critics Association nominated it for Film Music Composition of that year. The track turned into an instant icon.


2) The Rains of Castamere depicted The Red Wedding massacre

youtube-cover

This track became synonymous with the most haunting pieces in the Game of Thrones soundtrack. The Rains of Castamere played during the Red Wedding massacre in the third season.

As the wedding band starts and plays the Lannister song, Catelyn Stark realizes something is amiss. The music hints at the brutal death of the Stark family members, including Robb Stark, his pregnant wife Talisa, and Catelyn herself.

The Red Wedding is remembered as one of the most chaotic and masterful moments in television history. Separate versions of the song appeared throughout the show from bands like Sigur Rós and The National.


3) Battle of the Bastards featured a transformative 22 miniute special musical sequence

youtube-cover

The sixth season's Battle of the Bastards displayed another epic piece from the Game of Thrones soundtrack. The episode featured a 22-minute sequence of continuous background score with no lyrics. The track called Bastard played during Jon's near-death moment. This represents a metaphorical rebirth for Jon's character while fighting the Boltons. The music contains themes of Jon Snow and Bolton. The score progresses to display a moment of miracle when the Vale's army arrives to fight for the Starks.


4) Mhysa delivered relief after the Red Wedding haunting

This Game of Thrones soundtrack also recognized the importance of providing emotional relief. The soundtrack Mhysa played during the third season of the finale when Daenerys liberates Yunkai. The freed people call her Mhysa, which translates to mother. This sequence came after the tragic Red Wedding. Djawadi employed choirs comprising women, men, and children for this music, featuring Valyrian-inspired lyrics. The soundtrack consisted of unique choral elements that made it even more memorable.


5) The Night King theme brought fear to The Long Night

The most awaited moment for the fans of Game of Thrones was to witness the Night King face the houses. Therefore, Djawadi had to create something that enhances the impact of those brutal sequences. That is how The Long Night was created, with a runtime of eight minutes.

Creating the music for this episode was Djawadi's most challenging work. The piano begins with simple notes, before the strings join in. The piano made audiences think all hope was lost. It reminded viewers of Light of the Seven when Cersei won at last. However, the effect reversed when Arya showed up and killed the Night King. The soundtrack is so entertaining and thrilling that Djawadi ended up winning an Emmy Award for this episode.


The Game of Thrones soundtrack revolutionized television music, proving that the right soundtrack can drive storytelling as compelling as dialogue or visuals.

Edited by Priscillah Mueni