Screenshot: The Game Awards/ Kotaku
Last night’s Game Awards had several musical performances, but one stood out above the rest. Finnish rock band Poets of the Fall took to the stage as Old Gods of Asgard, the fictional band they play in Alan Wake 2, to perform the song “Herald of Darkness” from the game, and the whole spectacle quickly stole the show. The performance included artistry from the game itself, with director Sam Lake joining in on the fun.
How Alan Wake 2 Builds Upon The ‘Remedy-Verse’
“Herald of Darkness” plays a crucial role throughout Alan Wake II, appearing during a scene some have called one of the gaming highlights of the year. As Alan continues his journey through the Dark Place, the song plays over a unique sequence that combines gameplay with a shot live-action performance of the song. The song itself is filled with lyrics that describe the various twists and turns the story takes, all delivered with full-throated anthem rock energy, as key characters like talk-show host Warlin Door, Alan Wake, and Sam Lake dance or sing along. Last night’s performance brought all the excitement of the show-stopping sequence to the stage.
Learn more: Everything We Saw At The Game Awards 2023
In addition to Poets of the Fall, actor David Harewood was there to reprise his role as Mr. Door, introducing the song and singing his parts, joined by Alan Wake’s voice actor, Matthew Porretta. On stage, Ilkka Villi– the face and body of Wake– was joined by several dancers dressed in black and, eventually, Sam Lake himself.
The Game Awards’ performance of “Herald of Darkness” is a little shorter than the official video but the energy on stage makes it worth checking out. Alan Wake II took home the awards for Best Narrative and Best Game Direction, but was inexplicably passed over for Game of the Year or Best Score, despite this performance providing undeniable proof that it deserved them on the actual stage of the Game Awards. Yeah fine, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a great game, but how the hell did Last Fantasy XVI win best score and music? I need to have a word with someone.
Other notable performances from last night included Heilung’s performance of “Seidh” and an orchestral performance of “No Promises To Keep” from Last Fantasy VII Rebirth, both of which are also well worth your time if you haven’t seen them.
