Centurion, composed by Ilan Eshkeri, is the type of score that leaves little doubt to the grave predicament that the music represents. In short, you're dropped right into the midst of an urgent situation where just a few survivors of an ambushed Roman legion is left to fend for themselves; it's an "against all odds" type of setup, which is always an entertaining storyline. The score lends shape to this saga and drives home a listening experience that makes for a captivating session.
Ilan's work can always been counted on. From Stardust to The Young Victoria, I've enjoyed his style of music and have been impressed by the versatility he displays. With Centurion, there is a sense of authenticity about the score since Ilan researched some of the historical instruments of the time and implements them in the music. Even beyond that, however, the score strikes an immersing tone in how it captures the urgency of the story with melodic style and a mysterious underscore (the whispering voices that can be heard are a bit creepy!).
The soundtrack, which was released by MovieScore Media, begins with an engaging main theme that will put you in the mood for a grand historical epic. As in other instances from the composer, he doesn't stray away from ensuring that a melodic presence is felt with the representative theme, thus it proves to be memorable and is quite satisfying to hear in other variations later on the album.
Where things really get cranked up, however, is with the fourth track, a sort of march that has a fierce and strong quality to it. I simply loved this segment and found it to be rousing, especially when Ilan invokes it again later in the score. I must also point out that there was genuine originality associated with this musical statement. Believe me, after hearing as many scores as I have, some of which repetitive by nature, this type of freshness is a bit of a holy grail to me. It's also a tune that remains wedged in my head.
Some of the tracks on the album had to represent more of an atmospheric tone, but I viewed these moments as a respite in the music's own storyline. There is enough energy and positive movement that keeps the score headed in the right direction. Indeed, it was quite a memorable experience to hear the rhythm of the war drums, the softer statements of the main theme, and the chilling voices come together to forge a listening experience that I have already returned to on multiple occasions. In fact, I so loved the direction and high points of this material that I wished Ilan was scoring a three hour opus and that there was another hour of music to consume. The creative ideas behind the music here are simply outstanding.
Final Score: Centurion is an expertly crafted score that only needed additional running time to earn a higher grade. As it stands, it's a soundtrack that's worth getting your hands on whether the film gains notoriety or not. Don't let this one go unnoticed.
