By: Cassie Limberakis
CHICAGO– On May 31st, Bear McCreary brought his mystical presence to The Vic Theater in Chicago, Illinois. McCreary is best known for his film and TV scores. Some of his most famous scores are from the TV shows “Outlander,” “Foundation,” and “Battlestar Galactica.” He has scored the films “Godzilla: King of Monsters” and “Child’s Play.”
My favorite track of his features Hozier and is called “Blood Upon The Snow,” which is from the video game called, God of War: Ragnarok. “Blood Upon The Snow” uses a medieval handheld instrument called the hurdy gurdy. The hurdy gurdy is an instrument that has a crank. The musician cranks a handle while they pluck strings, similar to a guitar. It is a very complex instrument, but can be used to add character to any song. McCreary’s musical range continued to deepen throughout the show. He even played a song which he wrote at just 16 years old. And at 46 years old, he has decades of repertoire.
McCreary’s opener was named Morgan Sorne, otherwise known as SORNE. His music also does not adhere to any specific genre. It is hypnotic and druid like. He also wrote a folk opera called “House of Stone.” It is a concept album written in five parts, loosely based on his familial relationships and other relationships with those in his life.
McCreary has it all and can do it all. The song “Redshift” sounds like a mix of video game music, The Beastie Boys, and heavy metal. While “Tatarigami,” another song on the album, is what I can best describe as “caveman rock.” McCreary’s cinematic show and charismatic vibes were unlike anything I had ever experienced before. His music was all over the place, from Scottish druid ballads to heavy metal bangers.
Overall, this was an insanely musically diverse night that I will remember for years to come.
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