Linkin Park storm Medal of Honor soundtrack. But does their music really fit the game?

US band's debut single from new album finds its way into EA's Afghan-based war shooter

Words: on July 28, 2010

EA has announced that Linkin Park song 'The Catalyst' will feature on Medal of Honor's in-game soundtrack. Not only that, but the song - which will be the first single from the band's new album - will also be used for a new Medal of Honor trailer.

The trailer is being directed by Linkin Park's Joe Hahn and will be released on August 1, which is this Sunday. Which is a day before the song goes on general release. To celebrate this union of rock and pretend war, EA has given the upcoming trailer it's own teaser trailer. The teaser also features Linkin Park's song 'That Catalyst'. Watch it below:


What do I know about Linkin Park? A whole lot of nothing. But a prior knowledge of the band's discography isn't necessary to form the opinion that - based on the teaser trailer - their song 'The Catalyst' simply doesn't fit with the new Medal of Honor. It sounds like a random piece of music laid over the top of some game footage. And any kid on YouTube knows how to do that.

It's a stark contrast to the haunting music that made the game's 'Leave a Message' trailer so powerful and shiver-down-the-spine chilling. Refresh your memory of its aural noodlings:


I've said before that finding the right music for the right moment is a real creative skill. But 'The Catalyst' in Medal of Honor seems more motivated by cross-brand marketing opportunities rather than a desire to push the right emotive buttons of gamers.

Now, Eminem on the other hand...

July 28, 2010

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42 Comments
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  • BellTower

    BellTower  - 1 year, 5 months ago  - Report

    In my opinion, some parts fit but half of it doesn't which is why it produces such an uncomfortable feeling when watching the trailer. Linkin Park aint 'bad', music is such a subjective thing that most music should not be considered 'bad'.
  • SgtBaker

    SgtBaker  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    NonRandomNonSense's Linkin Park parody on YouTube pretty well sums up my opinion of them (very funny/accurate and worth looking up if you haven't seen it). I nonetheless agree with those who've said the music works but the singing doesn't. Then again, I think the music works because it's fairly generic and consequently works well enough as a soundtrack. Not my cup o' tea, but I've heard worse.
  • Dorito72

    Dorito72  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    i'm sick of everyone bashing linkin park. in my opinion, they are one of the greatest bands out there right now. i mean, its something fresh, something unique...and sure, they've moved on to a bit of a different sound, but i think the new linkin park is just as good as the old linkin park. i think it really shows a new level of maturity in the band as a whole...they may have a bit of a different sound now, than back in hybrid theory, but they still remain apart from the crowd, and i have a huge level of respect for them for that reason. i for one have and always will remain a fan of LP, and i'll fully support whatever direction they go next.

    as far as this collaboration with MoH, i think it looks and sounds pretty amazing. but who am i to say, i'm just a gigantic fan of an actual QUALITY band.
  • sed598

    sed598  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    the only trailer i liked recently is the black ops trailer with welcome too the family
  • ThatGuyFromTV

    ThatGuyFromTV  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    MDubG had it right. The song is actually okay, but the vocals suck. I still don't like that kind of thing in games.

    Also, thanks a lot Cundy. I will never be able to unsee that and you possibly wrecked that game for me. I commented on the Jersey Shore FB game article that I dared you guys to review the game. I think you personally have to review that game for us to make up for that.
  • Ninja-KiLLR

    Ninja-KiLLR  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    wow not alot of LP love on GR. To me they are the greatest band in the world. not really much of fan of the catalyst but i am very hopeful for the CD and praying it sounds more like hybrid theory and meteroa. but for the trailer i thought the sound fit decent. Linkin Park FTW!!!
  • Vitoruss1

    Vitoruss1  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    This game isn't going to be good, the character models are ugly, the environments are sterile, the action looks overhyped and Linkin Park sucks.
  • axelgarcia1

    axelgarcia1  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    i miss good ol' LP
  • Jacko415

    Jacko415  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    should've used thier older (much much better/original) music.
    "Session" or "Somewhere I Belong" would've been better choices
  • baldy666

    baldy666  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    I haven't even bothered to watch the trailers as Linkin Park do my head in, but I suppose if you want some emotional, faggy, over-the-top music then Linkin Park fits the bill.
  • theemporer

    theemporer  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    @SenatorPepper
    Both Eminem and Linkin Park are terrible because they forget that rap is shit. And before all of the rap guys start asking, not in a good way.
  • theemporer

    theemporer  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    @JoeMulvihill1
    Nothing could make Halo's characters, story or setting deep, nor could it with this game. If anything, this better reflects the literary uselessnes of shooters.
  • Jadernader

    Jadernader  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    Well i have to say, horrible choice of music. This main stream, sold-out Linkin Park sucks pretty epicly... why would they play this crap in their trailer?

    And CoD with Eminem? are you serious!?!?!?

    .... well at least it was better than this one
  • INFINITYGAUNTLET

    INFINITYGAUNTLET  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    ..ugh, vomit.
  • JoeGBallad

    JoeGBallad  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    Brilliant - Shit music for a shit game.
  • VyseTheTetrisdork

    VyseTheTetrisdork  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    @KillerQueen - Actually, I was thinking the same game, but for the E3 2009 Grey Warden trailer with Marilyn Manson at the end. "ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW SHIT!"

    @imtom2002 - That's what I thought after seeing this video. "The Catalyst" sounds like it belongs for Transformers 3 and not for MOH.
  • cj12297

    cj12297  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    it was good before they started singing
  • TURbo

    TURbo  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    So Medal of Honor will have a EA TRAX soundtrack like their yearly sports games and Need For Speed?
  • TURbo

    TURbo  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    So the future for Triple AAA FPS Games with budgets in the tens of millions of dollars will be cross advertising with multi million album selling musicians and or musical acts that are past their prime and popularity to cover development costs?

    FUUUUUCCCCCCCCCKKKK
  • Doctalen

    Doctalen  - 1 year, 6 months ago  - Report

    The instrumental was good for the trailer but the singing was horrible for it. I like Linkin Park but I think they should stop doing this kind of stuff. Go back to the older stuff like from Hybrid Theory and Meteora.
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