25 Greatest Musical Tracks From The Halo Series

9. Peril - Halo 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=vUBiRXXwqdI My childhood was primarily comprised of Halo 2, and here is a little known fact: I played Halo 2 before Halo: Combat Evolved. It was an odd move, maybe even stupid, as I knew not one thing that made any sense to me. But I think that in playing Halo 2 first, it lent something special in return as a reward. To this day I still don't know how to describe it exactly, but part of the reason was in the music, and just how fun it was to listen to. Throughout the game were checkpoints that loaded up the next section of game, where I would usually replay certain areas of levels because they were so gosh darn enjoyable. Restarting a checkpoint because a fellow marine died. Restarting after this intense firefight that was memorable. But also restarting because of the music that was given to that specific area. "Peril" was one of the rare instances where I restarted parts of the game just to hear this track. The other choice was "Blow Me Away" by Breaking Benjamin, but that's not considered an official composed Halo track (otherwise it would be #1). There are tons to talk about with "Peril". Because this song is so addictive to listen to, let me personally list why this track is amazing: - It's an oxymoron. While it's named "Peril", the track is actually an uplifting orchestra of tambourines and choirs, which there is nothing perilous about that. - It applies a soft touch in some of the toughest of Halo 2's levels. Even some of the most combat-heavy sequences have this track play back for reasons that seem unknown, but make me smile anyways. - While most of Halo's music is distinguishable, "Peril" is not. It's never clear if it was made to cover the human's drama or the Covenant's. It's just there. And it gives it a sense of mystery. "Peril" could be considered an enigma to some extent. - Perhaps the most brilliant thing about "Peril" is that it is uplifting. It has an adventure quality to it but manages to capture the senses for its quick 2 minute play time. "Peril" fit the attitude of Halo 2, or at least the attitude that I saw as a 14 year-old kid at the time. Maybe one day I'll be able to come out with a proper explanation as to why it's so significant and memorable, but for now all I can say is listen to the soundtrack to understand (at least partially, I hope) where I'm coming from. There are so many words for "Peril", but for the first time I'm going to say this: play the video, listen, and see for yourselves.