Spirits of the Dead Album OUT NOW! - Q&A with the mind behind our darkest album

As Halloween creeps in, we decided to release Spirits of the Dead. An unreleased horror themed album from some of our scariest games, you know and love.

We caught up with Viktor, one of our talented sound designers and the creative force behind these dark tracks. Here’s a peek into his creative process and the spine-tingling sounds that have made it into your nightmares.

What’s the creepiest sound you’ve had to create for one of these tracks?

Some of the screams are layered with a sampled whistle, Ehecachichtli, maybe more known as the Aztec Death Whistle. It always gets to me, sounds like a really tormented scream but with a hint of something unnatural, uncanny valley.

Which track on this album got the most "I need a break" moments because it was just too much?

Handsaw Song because at that late stage of Mental development, I was laughing too much like a maniac.

What’s your go-to instrument to create these sounds and any secrets you can share?

For choirs I’ve layered in a software instrument called NI Mysteria, a lot in all these games, it’s really expressive, weird and organic. Also, if you are really bad at the Nyckelharpa (Keyharp?) which is Swedish folk-instrument or some other string instrument, it's an instant horror movie sound.

Which track on this album is your favourite and why?

If I got to pick one it’s probably Cursed from Blood and Shadow. My idea for the sound of that game (and the recently released sequel & Beheaded) is all about building tension and then BAM as soon you unlock the highest level. I’m really happy with how impactful it turned out.

When you're layering sounds do you ever hide easter eggs or subtle sounds that only a keen ear would catch?

All the time. I’ve more or less hidden a sheep baa in most all the games I’ve made over the last two years. The famous Wilhelm Scream might turn up somewhere as well. Also, you can probably find some musical nodes to previous NLC-games here and there.

Where do you get your inspiration when making these tracks?

Probably mostly from messing around with various software instruments and recordings. Just having the games running in the background when trying stuff to match the flow and overall feeling.

If you could describe this track list in 3 words what would they be?

Don’t listen alone

Spirits of the Dead isn't for the faint of heart but for the fans of some of our spine-tingling catalog of games; Mental, Possessed, Beheaded and Blood & Shadow, it’s got it all!

You check out all the album on Spotify or Youtube Music