Epic orchestral music composers creating powerful symphonic music for films, trailers, and albums.
Epic music has emerged as a powerful and evocative genre that transcends traditional musical boundaries. Often used in film trailers, video games, and other media, this genre is characterized by its grandiose, emotional, and inspiring qualities. Let's explore the various styles within epic music and what makes each unique.
Epic music, also known as trailer music or orchestral hybrid music, originated primarily as background music for movie trailers and promotional materials. Over time, it evolved into its own genre with dedicated composers, production companies, and fan communities. The rise of digital platforms allowed epic music to gain popularity beyond its traditional media use.
This is perhaps the most traditional form of epic music, heavily relying on full orchestral arrangements. Key characteristics include powerful brass sections, dramatic string passages, dynamic percussion, and classical composition techniques.
Notable composers like Thomas Bergersen, Nick Phoenix (Two Steps From Hell), and Hans Zimmer have pioneered this style, creating pieces that balance classical orchestration with modern production techniques. Example tracks include "Heart of Courage" by Two Steps From Hell and "Time" by Hans Zimmer.
Hybrid epic music combines orchestral elements with electronic sounds, creating a fusion that appeals to contemporary audiences. Characteristics include synthesizers alongside traditional instruments, electronic drums and bass, digital sound design elements, and modern production techniques.
This style bridges classical orchestration with technology, creating innovative soundscapes that can feel both timeless and cutting-edge. Notable examples include "Blackheart" by Thomas Bergersen and "Overpowered" by Phantom Power Music.
Vocal epic incorporates human voices, either as the centerpiece or complementary element. This can include solo vocalists (often soprano or tenor), choral arrangements, lyrics in real or invented languages, and chanting and vocal effects.
The human voice adds an emotional dimension that resonates deeply with listeners, often creating goosebump-inducing moments. Example tracks include "Victory" by Two Steps From Hell and "Before I Leave This World" by Ivan Torrent.
This style prioritizes emotional impact through building tension and release. Features include soaring melodies, gradual buildups to powerful climaxes, emphasis on string sections, and melancholic or hopeful tones.
These pieces often tell a story through pure musical expression, evoking powerful emotional responses. Notable examples include "Archangel" by Two Steps From Hell and "Flight of the Silverbird" by Thomas Bergersen.
Dark epic music emphasizes ominous, threatening, or mysterious qualities. Characteristics include minor keys and dissonant harmonies, low brass and string sections, choir chanting or whispering, and tribal or ritualistic percussion.
This style often appears in trailers for horror, thriller, or dark fantasy media. Example tracks include "Strength of a Thousand Men" by Two Steps From Hell and "Darkness Awaits" by Audiomachine.
This style incorporates cultural and traditional influences from around the world, particularly Celtic, Nordic, and Asian musical traditions. Features include folk instruments (tin whistle, fiddle, duduk, etc.), traditional rhythms and scales, cultural vocal techniques, and authentic instrumentation blended with orchestral elements.
These pieces transport listeners to different times and places, often evoking fantasy worlds or ancient civilizations. Example tracks include "The Wolf and the Moon" by BrunuhVille and "Celtic Epic Music" by Adrian von Ziegler.
Designed to evoke heroic confrontations and intense action, this style features driving, intense rhythms, prominent percussion, brass-heavy arrangements, and fast-paced melodies and countermelodies.
These tracks excel at creating a sense of urgency and excitement, perfect for action sequences. Notable examples include "Strength of a Thousand Men" and "Protectors of the Earth," both by Two Steps From Hell.
This style most closely resembles actual film scores, with narrative qualities and emotional arcs. Characteristics include multiple movements or sections, theme development, varied instrumentation, and dynamic range from quiet to thunderous.
Cinematic epic pieces often tell complete stories through sound alone. Example tracks include "Empire of Angels" and "Illusions," both by Thomas Bergersen.
Several prominent composers and production companies have shaped epic music:
Two Steps From Hell (Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix) - Perhaps the most famous epic music company
Audiomachine - Known for their hybrid and orchestral trailer music
Really Slow Motion - Specializes in emotionally charged epic pieces
Immediate Music - Pioneers in the trailer music industry
Position Music - Known for innovative hybrid epic music
Ivan Torrent - Master of emotional and vocal epic music
Zack Hemsey - Known for blending epic music with hip-hop elements
BrunuhVille - Specializes in fantasy and world-influenced epic music
Epic music has grown far beyond its original purpose as background music for trailers. Today, it serves as inspiration for millions, accompanies workouts, studies, creative sessions, and has even spawned dedicated concerts and live performances.
The genre continues to evolve, with newer styles incorporating elements from EDM, rock, world music, and even hip-hop. As production technology advances, composers push boundaries with more complex arrangements and sound design.
The community aspect of epic music also deserves mention—fans gather on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and dedicated forums to share discoveries and discuss their favorite pieces, creating a vibrant global community united by a love for powerful, emotional music.
Whether you're seeking inspiration, motivation, or simply an emotional journey through sound, epic music offers a rich landscape of styles to explore. Its ability to evoke powerful emotions and tell stories without words makes it a uniquely compelling genre for our time.