5 Reasons The Alan Wake 2 Vinyl Soundtrack Is The Ultimate Collector's Item (And How To Pre-Order The 4xLP Boxset)
The Complete Discography of The Dark Place: Featured Artists and Variants
The *Alan Wake 2* Original Soundtrack is a complex tapestry of musical styles, reflecting the game's genre-bending narrative. The vinyl release honors this complexity by bringing together the core artists responsible for the game's award-winning audio.The Musical Architects: Composers and Featured Artists
The soundtrack is primarily composed by the prolific Finnish composer Petri Alanko. Alanko, known for his work on *Control* and the original *Alan Wake*, crafts the deeply unsettling and reflective score that underscores the psychological horror and detective work of the FBC (Federal Bureau of Control) agent Saga Anderson and the tortured writer Alan Wake. His score, which includes tracks like "Vertical Reflections," "Writer's Writings," and "Wake Talks," is central to the vinyl collection. However, the collection's star power is amplified by several key collaborators:- Old Gods of Asgard (Poets of the Fall): The legendary fictional band, an alter-ego of the real-life Finnish rock group Poets of the Fall, contributes their iconic Chapter Songs. The inclusion of the sensational performance piece "Herald of Darkness" and other tracks like "Yötön Yö" (Nightless Night) are major selling points for the vinyl.
- POE: The artist POE contributes the haunting track "This Road (The Dark Chamber)," a pivotal song in Alan's journey through the New York-inspired Dark Place.
- Various Performers: The soundtrack also features vocal performances from artists such as Jaimes, Jean Castel, Keira, Mougleta, Paleface, RAKE, and ROOS+BERG, ensuring the vinyl captures the full breadth of the game's musical landscape.
Exclusive Vinyl Variants and Editions
Laced Records, in partnership with Remedy Entertainment, has produced several distinct vinyl editions to cater to different levels of collecting obsession. The pre-order window is crucial, as the most exclusive variants are typically limited.1. The Deluxe 4xLP Boxset
This is the definitive edition for the ultimate fan. The Deluxe 4xLP Boxset is an expansive collection that includes all of the original score and the Chapter Songs that were released on streaming platforms like Spotify. This set is designed to be the most comprehensive musical journey through the game, spanning four heavyweight vinyl discs. While color variants for the 4xLP set can differ by retailer, it represents the complete audio experience.
2. Exclusive Edition Deluxe Double Vinyl (2xLP)
A more focused, yet still luxurious, option. This 2xLP set features 26 core tracks from the meta-horror masterpiece. The most striking detail is the vinyl itself: two transparent red heavyweight discs. The entire package is housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve, with stunning sleeve artwork provided directly by Remedy Entertainment. This variant is often considered the "Exclusive Edition" and is highly sought after for its unique color and presentation.
3. Standard 2xLP Black Vinyl
For purists and those who prefer the classic look, a standard 2xLP edition is also available. This version typically features the same 26-track selection as the Exclusive Edition but pressed on traditional black vinyl, offering a timeless aesthetic.
Why The Alan Wake 2 Vinyl Is A Must-Have Collector’s Piece
Beyond the music itself, the *Alan Wake 2* vinyl release is a significant cultural artifact that appeals to collectors of both video game memorabilia and high-quality physical media. The care taken in its production elevates it far beyond a simple soundtrack album.The Power of Physical Media in Horror
The *Alan Wake* franchise thrives on its meta-narrative, where the lines between fiction and reality are constantly blurred. Owning the soundtrack on vinyl—a tangible, physical medium—enhances this theme. The act of placing the needle on the record, hearing the crackle, and holding the sleeve artwork in your hands grounds the abstract horror of The Dark Place, much like Alan's typewriter grounds his writing. It’s an immersive experience that digital streaming cannot replicate. The heavyweight vinyl and gatefold sleeve transform the soundtrack into a piece of art.A Deep Dive into The Dark Place’s Sound Design
Petri Alanko’s score is not merely background music; it is an active participant in the game’s storytelling. Tracks like "Slaughtering a Nightingale" and "Plotboard, Alleys and a Few" are sonic representations of Alan's struggle and Saga's investigation. The vinyl format, especially when pressed on high-quality heavyweight discs, allows for a richer, more nuanced listening experience, revealing subtle layers of sound design that might be missed in compressed digital formats. This dedication to audio fidelity makes it essential for audiophiles.The Cultural Significance of "Herald of Darkness"
The "Herald of Darkness" musical number, performed by Old Gods of Asgard, is arguably the most iconic and critically acclaimed sequence in *Alan Wake 2*. Its inclusion on the vinyl is a monumental event for fans. This track, which blends theatrical rock with the game's narrative, has become a cultural touchstone. Owning it on vinyl is akin to owning a piece of video game history, commemorating the moment when Remedy successfully fused a full-blown musical into a survival horror game.Pre-Order Details and Anticipated Release Timeline
The official release date for the *Alan Wake 2* Original Soundtrack on vinyl is set for April 2025. While this is a future date, pre-orders have been open for some time and are the only guaranteed way to secure the more limited variants, such as the transparent red Exclusive Edition.Where to Purchase the Vinyl
The primary distributor is Laced Records, who handles the production and distribution. However, various regional and specialty retailers also carry the different variants, including:
- Materia Store
- Black Screen Records (often carrying the 2xLP Black Vinyl)
- The Yetee
- Recordstore.co.uk
Collectors should check multiple retailers, as stock and specific color variants can vary between vendors. Securing a pre-order now is highly recommended to avoid aftermarket price gouging once the limited stock sells out following the April 2025 shipping date.
What to Expect in the Boxset
The Deluxe 4xLP Boxset is expected to be a premium product. It will feature a board slipcase, often with a printed silver laminate wrap that reflects the noir aesthetic of The Dark Place. The inclusion of all Chapter Songs, alongside the full original score, ensures that every key musical moment, from the quiet dread of the FBC investigation to the explosive rock opera sequences, is preserved in high-fidelity analog sound. This release is a testament to the game's artistic vision and a necessary addition to any serious collection of video game soundtracks.
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