Death Stranding is an eccentric game by Hideo Kojima, who is an eccentric auteur. The game has a unique atmosphere that is lonely and navel-gazey, but somehow still hopeful. This mood is achieved in huge part thanks to Kojima’s clever implementation of Low Roar’s music. Though much of the game is spent in silence, this silence is, at strategic moments, punctured by music that makes gamers feel like their difficult hike was worth all the trouble.
The passing of the band’s lead singer is a tragic loss to both the music and gaming worlds. Kojima, and many other people associated with Death Stranding, including Die-Hardman’s voice actor Tommie Earl Jenkins, have paid their respects. It will be interesting to see whether Low Roar’s music will be featured in Death’s Stranding’s rumored sequel that Kojima has been hinting at with cryptic clues.
Low Roar and Death Stranding
Music has always been a big part of Kojima’s games. Fans of Kojima will remember the Walkman Snake uses in Metal Gear Solid 5. Not only does it give players something to listen to as they infiltrate enormous strongholds, but the 80s soundtrack also helps to highlight the game’s temporal setting. Music is also very important in Death Stranding, and it goes a long way in establishing the game’s atmosphere and themes.
Kojima first heard Low Roar when he was on a trip to Iceland. A song of theirs was playing on the radio, and he liked it so much he decided to buy their CD. This marks one of many connections Iceland has with Death Stranding. As many have noted, although Death Stranding is set in the USA, the game’s landscape resembles Iceland’s green meadows, black sand, and moss-covered mountains. Kojima has revealed that he selected Low Roar’s music for Death Stranding because he “thought Low Roar's music would match this harsh but beautiful and pure environmental setting.” It is hard to argue that Kojima made the wrong choice, and it's equally hard to think of musical acts that would have suited the game's setting better.
The Music of Death Stranding
For most of the game’s duration, player hike in silence. Sam Bridges doesn't have access to a Walkman, and even the vehicles that are unlocked later have no radios. Considering past games by Kojima have let gamers play music while out on missions, this seems like a very deliberate design choice. The silence highlights Sam’s isolation as he makes his arduous journeys. As oppressive as the silence can be at times, it makes games all the more grateful when they finally arrive at their destination and see how grateful the recipient is.
The silence also allows for music to be played at key moments, and it feels even more impactful. When, after a grueling hike, players, climb up a mountain, see their destination just a stone's throw away, and an atmospheric Low Roar song comes on, it makes for a picturesque moment. Low Roar’s music is also the perfect thing to relax to after an arduous hike, which is why players can listen to any music they desire in their Private Room.
On October 29 this year, the lead singer of Low Roar, Ryan Karazija, passed away at age 40. Low Roar’s sixth album, which is being edited, will still be released. Tribute messages have poured in for the artist, including from Kojima who has noted how important the band is to Death Stranding. Though Low Roar will never be the same, the band's legacy will forever live on through its music and Death Stranding.
Death Stranding is available on PC, PS4, and PS5.
