Yoann Laulan is a French composer known for crafting immersive soundscapes for independent video games, establishing himself as a prominent figure in game music composition. Dead Cells: Volume 2, released by Laced Records in 2022, represents the second installment of music from the acclaimed roguelike action game Dead Cells. This vinyl release compiles Laulan's most evocative compositions accompanying players through the game's procedurally generated environments.
The soundtrack showcases Laulan's signature blend of atmospheric and rhythmic elements across six sides of vinyl. Standout tracks like "Astrolab," "Morass Of The Banished," and "Guardian's Haven" exemplify his ability to create tension and exploration through layered synths and dynamic arrangements. The collection features diverse locations from the game world, each track reflecting its corresponding environment's character, from the industrial "Distillery" to the eerie "Fractured Shrines."
What distinguishes this release is its inclusion of remixes and reinterpretations, including a notable cover of Queen's "Beyond Reasoning" and demake versions that reimagine tracks in retro styles. These creative recontextualizations demonstrate Laulan's versatility and deep engagement with the source material. For vinyl collectors interested in contemporary video game music, Dead Cells: Volume 2 offers both compositional depth and production quality worthy of shelf space.
