Crafting the Sound of Vikings and Scots in Age of Empires IV – Raiders of the North

Project: Age of Empires IV – Raiders of the north

Client: Relic, World’s Edge

We Did: Music Composition • Music Production • Orchestra Recording • Sound Design • Audio Integration

Composers: Armin Haas, Nicolai Patricio, Christian Wirtz Matthias Wolf

Audio Integration: Philippe Spankus

When history meets real-time strategy, the music needs to do more than fill the background, it has to transport you straight into the thick of battle and the heart of an empire. We are thrilled to share an inside look at our latest audio journey: composing and bringing to life the brand-new soundtracks for the Vikings and Scots civilizations in Age of Empires IV.

Capturing the distinct spirit of these two legendary cultures required a deep dive into history, folklore, and authentic instrumentation. Here is how we built the sonic landscapes for the Northmen and the Scottish clans.

Two Cultures, Two Unique Sonic Identities

While both civilizations share a rugged, northern resilience, their musical souls are entirely distinct.

• The Vikings: Thunder, Wood, and Iron To evoke the fierce spirit of the Norsemen, we grounded the score in raw, earthy textures. We blended massive orchestral brass and driving war drums with historic Scandinavian instruments like the tagelharpa and mouth harp. The result is a sound that feels powerful, relentless, and deeply connected to the fjords and the open sea.
• The Scots: Hearth, Mist, and Steel For the Scottish civilization, the music needed to balance the sweeping romance of the Highlands with the grit of medieval warfare. We wove the haunting, emotive melodies of the Highland bagpipes and low whistles with rich string arrangements, creating a soundscape that shifts effortlessly from sorrowful laments to rallying battle cries.

A Global Symphony & Authentic Collaboration

To achieve the cinematic scale expected of Age of Empires, we combined grand symphonic recordings with deeply personal, authentic performances.

• The Symphonic Power: We recorded a full symphony orchestra to provide the epic, cinematic foundation that drives the gameplay experience during massive sieges and sprawling empire-building.
• The Cultural Soul: To maintain historical authenticity, we collaborated with master folk instrumentalists across Europe, recording rare, traditional instruments up close to capture their unique timbres.

Dynamic Soundscapes & Immersion

Music in Age of Empires IV isn’t static, it reacts to what you do. Our team handled the technical audio integration to ensure the score shifts dynamically based on your gameplay. Whether you are peacefully managing trade routes in your town center or desperately defending your walls, the music evolves right alongside your strategy.

Combined with custom sound design for cutscenes, ambient world audio, and UI cues, every element was crafted to make stepping into the shoes of a Viking jarl or a Scottish chieftain feel utterly immersive.

Put on your best headphones, cue up the game, and get ready to lead your people to glory.

Orchestral Recordings: Budapest Art Orchestra

Postpro and Mix: Christian Wirtz

Sounddesign and audio integration: Philippe Spankus

Orchestration: David Christiansen

Female Solo Vocals: Katharina Wirtz

Male Solo Vocals: Roman Andor

Viking Fiddle and low flutes: Henning Nugel

Bagpipes and flutes: Sandro Friedrich

Tagelharpa, Lute, Framedrum and Crwth

Fiddle and Guitars: Armin Haas

Release Trailer