Death Stranding Soundtrack Contributor Ryan Karazija Has Passed Away

It’s an unfortunate day for the gaming industry and the acquaintances of the departed. Ryan Karazija, the founder of the Reykjavik-based Low Roar music band is no longer among the living. The news has been officially worded on Low Roar’s various social media platforms.

Taking to Facebook to announce the sad news, the band writes, 

After a short illness, Ryan Karazija, front man and driving force behind Low Roar, has died at age 40 due to complications from pneumonia. His beautiful music and lyrics, sung in his haunting voice have touched the lives of so many people all over the world, and will continue to do so.”

The Rundown: 

• Hideo Kojima‘s personal hireling and Iceland-based indie rock, dream pop music band’s frontman, and founder, Ryan Karazija has died at the ripe young age of 40. 
• His death comes at a great loss to the world of the entertainment industry. Ryan’s contributions to Kojima’s Death Stranding (2019) are celebrated across the spectrum for their standard of depth and substantial narrative moments. 
• The singer is said to have died due to complications from pneumonia which worsened after a seemingly trivial illness.  

The lead singer was best recognized for his awe-inspiring work on Kojima Production’s Death Stranding, contributing heavily to the 2019 action game’s majestic soundtrack. The story of how Kojima actually got Ryan onboard for his project is quite inspiring.

Speaking to Eurogamer in an interview, the famed Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill series’ helmer has revealed that he was once staying in Iceland for some time and inadvertently stumbled upon Low Roar’s music while shopping around in the area. 

The moment Kojima’s ears enwreathed the at-then relevant music, he knew the band he’d be getting on for the game. The sound coming from the radio where he first listed to Low Roar struck a picture of Death Stranding in its natural habitat in the mind of the popular game director. 

“I also felt somewhat of a connection to Low Roar and the game, the matching of Low Roar’s acoustic but digital futuristic sound and the concept of Death Stranding,” said Kojima as he consolidated the prospect of getting Ryan Karazija to work on the action-adventure title. 

Although Death Stranding featured music and soundtracks from other bands too, the impact that Low Roar made from the game is apparently unrivaled. However, Karazija and co. had no idea when they were first contacted by Sony where their song was going to be featured in. 

It was only until Death Stranding’s reveal trailer that it finally hit the band. From there on out, Low Roar surged in popularity and kickstarted their music career thanks to all the spotlight garnered by Death Stranding. 

Taking to Twitter to voice his opinion on the situation, Kojima cannot believe the passing on of the music band’s frontman, saying that Death Stranding “would not have been born” if not for Karazija and his art.

I heard the news. I can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. Without Ryan, without you and your music, Death Stranding would not have been born. Your music will live forever in this world and in me. Thank you. Rest in peace.

Low Roar Ryan Karazija (1982-2022) pic.twitter.com/buzBwtBHvr

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) October 29, 2022

Death Stranding won the award for Best Score/Music at The Game Awards 2019 right alongside a number of other nominations and accomplishments just as well.

Strolling through the desolated in-game world of the title at hand, the moments when the key notes kick in do feel like no other, thereby signifying the grandeur of Low Roar and its much-needed presence for a game environment as harshly set as Death Stranding. 

According to the official update by Low Roar, Ryan Karazija passed away at the early age of 40 due to a constantly exacerbating viral infection.

The members of the group have paid Ryan a tribute on their social handles, stating, “May we honour his memory through his art and hold him forever in his songs.” Moreover, it’s also expected for fans to understand and respect the private boundaries of the deceased’s family during this struggling period.