I adored this track before I even played the game, then listening to it during the boss fight it hits even harder.
Another one of the classic soul themes that sticks to a pedal tone, here the root of F minor mostly, and starts adding layers of voices and motifs upon that. What’s interesting about this one is that the natural minor seventh of the minor scale, the Eb here is used with purpose. In a lot of souls themes, this seventh is sharpened to create tension, and avoided altogether when that tension isn’t wanted.
Here the sharp seven is used at the end of every section larger for a bit of tension & release, until the finale when it’s the center of a melody.
Abyss Watchers is in 12/8 time,...