The Story Behind Assassin’s Creed III Theme — Composer & Production

Assassin’s Creed III Theme Remix — Electronic & Epic EditsThe Assassin’s Creed III theme, composed by Lorne Balfe alongside contributions from the Ubisoft Music Team, carries a cinematic sweep that evokes revolution, conflict, and the bittersweet weight of destiny. Its melodic core and orchestral textures make it an ideal candidate for remixes — especially in electronic and epic cinematic styles. This article explores why the theme works so well for remixes, outlines creative approaches, gives technical tips for producers, and showcases remix ideas and arrangement blueprints you can use to craft your own powerful electronic or epic edit.

Why the Theme Works for Remixes

• Strong melodic identity. The theme features memorable motifs that are instantly recognizable, which helps a remix maintain emotional connection even when the sonic palette shifts.
• Cinematic structure. Its dynamic rises, quiet introspective moments, and climactic peaks naturally translate into electronic buildups, drops, and orchestral swells.
• Harmonic clarity. The chord progressions are clear and supportive, making it easier to re-harmonize, layer synths, or add counter-melodies without losing the original feel.
• Emotive atmosphere. The piece already balances melancholy and heroism — perfect for epic edits that aim to amplify those feelings using modern production tools.

Two Main Remix Directions

There are two especially fruitful directions for reimagining the Assassin’s Creed III theme:

1. Electronic (EDM, synthwave, downtempo)

   • Focus: groove, synth-led textures, rhythmic energy.
   • Typical tools: arpeggiators, side-chained pads, punchy drums, arpeggiated basslines, filter sweeps.
   • Goals: turn orchestral motion into danceable momentum or lush synth ambience.

2. Epic Cinematic (hybrid orchestral + electronic)

   • Focus: scale, percussion-driven impact, large dynamic range.
   • Typical tools: orchestral libraries, taikos, brass stabs, risers, processed choirs, OTT compression, granular FX.
   • Goals: maximize emotional peaks, create trailer-like intensity while honoring the original score.

Arrangement Blueprint: Electronic Remix (Example — Synthwave / Epic Dance)

1. Intro (0:00–0:30)

   • Start with a filtered snippet of the main motif (simple pad or soft piano).
   • Add vinyl noise or atmospheric field recordings for texture.
   • Slowly open a low-pass filter and introduce a soft kick or sub-bass.

2. Build (0:30–1:00)

   • Bring in arpeggiated synths echoing the motif, a rhythmic hi-hat pattern, and a clap/snare on the 2 & 4.
   • Automate filter cutoff and reverb send to create tension.

3. Drop / First Peak (1:00–1:45)

   • Full drums, saw-based lead carrying the melody, side-chained pads for movement.
   • Reinforce with a melodic bassline that mirrors the lower register of the original theme.

4. Breakdown (1:45–2:30)

   • Strip elements back to a piano or plucked synth carrying a re-harmonized version of the motif.
   • Use a riser and filtering to lead into the next section.

5. Second Drop / Climactic Epilogue (2:30–3:30)

   • Add layered orchestral hits (strings and brass) blended with synths.
   • Increase percussion complexity (percussion loops, toms, taikos).
   • End with a reverb-drenched motif and a long cinematic swell.

Arrangement Blueprint: Epic Cinematic Remix (Example — Hybrid Trailer Edit)

1. Opening Atmosphere (0:00–0:25)

   • Distant brass drones, low orchestral rumble, whispering choir.
   • Introduce motif as a solo instrument (oboe or solo violin) sparse and tragic.

2. Rising Motion (0:25–1:00)

   • Add rhythmic taikos and processed percussion (reverse impacts, metallic hits).
   • Layer synthetic textures (granular pads) under the orchestra.

3. First Orchestral Surge (1:00–1:40)

   • Full strings swell carrying the motif in unison, heavy brass punctuations.
   • Add hybrid elements: distorted synth bass, saturated risers, and gated reverb snares.

4. Tension & Contrast (1:40–2:20)

   • Strip to a fragile piano or choir moment that reinterprets the melody with altered harmony (minor iv or modal shift).
   • Small tension-release cycles to heighten the final payoff.

5. Grand Finale (2:20–3:30)

   • All elements combined — choir, orchestra, synths, percussion — playing a reorchestrated, high-energy restatement of the theme.
   • Finish on a dramatic chord with long-tail textures and slowed reverb decay.

Sound Design & Mixing Tips

• Use high-quality orchestral sample libraries (e.g., Spitfire, Orchestral Tools) or well-crafted synths (Serum, Diva) depending on direction.
• Layer acoustic and synthetic instruments to get the “hybrid” sound: a synth low-end with orchestral strings on top, or brass stabs doubled with distorted synths.
• Sidechain pads and sustained elements to make room for kick and percussion.
• Apply parallel compression on drums for punch without losing transients.
• High-pass individual orchestral sections subtly to avoid bass clutter; let a dedicated sub-bass or synth handle 20–80 Hz.
• Use reverb and delay creatively: short, bright reverbs for clarity on rhythmic elements; long, lush reverbs and convolution impulses for cinematic tails.
• Automate filters, reverb sends, and saturation across sections to keep progression dynamic.

Harmonic & Melodic Ideas

• Re-harmonization: try modal interchange (mixing minor with Dorian or Aeolian touches) to give familiar motifs fresh emotional color.
• Counter-melodies: introduce a secondary motif in a higher register — a flute or bell patch — that answers the main theme.
• Rhythmic reharmonization: take a sustained orchestral chord and arpeggiate it in syncopation to add momentum suitable for electronic styles.
• Tempo modulation: a subtle tempo increase during climaxes can heighten urgency; for cinematic edits, tempo mapping with stretched hits gives dramatic effect.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Remixing a copyrighted video game theme requires attention to copyright:

• For public uploads or monetized tracks, obtain the proper license or permission from the rights holder (Ubisoft / composer rights management).
• Consider releasing unofficial remixes as free, non-monetized tributes where allowed, and clearly credit the original composer.
• If you plan to sell or license your remix, secure mechanical/performance licenses or work with a publisher that handles sync and licensing.

Practical Workflow Example (DAW-focused)

1. Import a clean reference (original theme or ROM-quality OST).
2. Tempo-map and chop the main motif into MIDI using a sampler or by transcribing.
3. Sketch structure quickly (markers for intro, build, drop, breakdown, finale).
4. Create core instruments: lead, pad, bass, percussion — get a basic arrangement before detailed sound design.
5. Iterate: replace placeholders with higher-quality patches, add automation, refine transitions.
6. Mixing & mastering: balance, EQ, compression, and a gentle limiter for final loudness. Consider a mastering chain tuned for streaming platforms (LUFS targets).

Remix Ideas & Inspirations

• “Synth-anthem” — a big-room synth lead carrying the melody, four-on-the-floor kick, arpeggiated pads.
• “Dark hybrid trailer” — downtuned strings, processed brass, heavy low-end and cinematic percussion.
• “Downtempo ambient edit” — slowed tempo, lush reverb, soft textures, and an introspective mood.
• “Orchestral minimalism” — sparse arrangement focusing on solo instruments and small chamber textures.
• “Chillstep reinterpretation” — half-time beats, wobbling bass under a plaintive lead carrying the motif.

Quick Checklist Before Release

• Confirm licensing or permission status.
• Clean mix: check on multiple systems (headphones, monitors, phone).
• Metadata & credits: list composer, original title, and your remix credits.
• Backup stems and project files for future use or licensing requests.

Remixing Assassin’s Creed III’s theme offers a rich creative playground: its cinematic heart gives emotional depth, while clear motifs let you experiment with electronic textures, hybrid orchestration, and modern production techniques. Whether you aim for a dancefloor-ready edit, a trailer-ready hybrid, or a reflective ambient piece, use the theme’s melodic strengths as your anchor and let bold sound-design choices carry the remix into new territory.