Summary
- Short, seamless loop heard on the title screen when Silksong loads.
- Composed by Christopher Larkin; melody-forward, string‑led writing returns from Hollow Knight.
- Commonly associated by the community with the OST cue "Awakening" (Track 38 of 53); the in‑game menu uses a shorter looped excerpt.
- Duration: Full "Awakening" track runs 3:43, while the menu loop is approximately 30-45 seconds
- Musical significance: Sets the emotional and tonal foundation for Hornet's journey through Pharloom
- Available on Bandcamp ($11.99), Steam, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms
The title screen music of Hollow Knight: Silksong serves as more than mere background audio—it's an emotional gateway that prepares players for the epic journey ahead. Christopher Larkin's masterful composition expertly balances familiarity with innovation, honoring the beloved musical legacy of the original Hollow Knight while establishing Silksong's unique sonic identity. With over 13,600 views on YouTube within just 3 days of release, the menu theme has already captured the hearts of the gaming community.
This carefully crafted piece demonstrates Larkin's evolution as a composer, incorporating more complex harmonies and richer orchestration while maintaining the intimate, haunting quality that made the original game's soundtrack so memorable. The Hollow Knight: Silksong Original Soundtrack features an impressive 53 tracks total—more than double the original game's 26 tracks—showcasing the expanded scope and ambition of this highly anticipated sequel. For many players, the menu music becomes their first profound connection to Silksong's world, setting expectations for the musical storytelling to come through its use of chamber strings, woodwinds, and subtle percussion that creates an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation.
Official Track Info (What's It Called?)
The menu music is officially connected to "Awakening," which appears as Track 38 on the complete Hollow Knight: Silksong Original Soundtrack. While Team Cherry's storefront listings don't explicitly label any track as "Menu" or "Title Screen," the gaming community and soundtrack listeners have confirmed through careful analysis that the menu loop is derived from "Awakening." The in‑game version uses a carefully selected 30-45 second excerpt that loops seamlessly, taken from the full 3:43 track.
Christopher Larkin's "Awakening" serves a dual purpose—both as a standalone composition on the album and as the source for the game's memorable title screen music. The track name itself carries deep thematic significance, representing not just Hornet's literal awakening in the kingdom of Pharloom after being captured, but also the player's awakening to a new adventure in the expanded Hollow Knight universe. This careful naming choice reflects Team Cherry's attention to narrative detail, where even menu music contributes to the game's storytelling.
Where To Listen & Purchase
Official OST Sources:
- Bandcamp: Christopher Larkin's official page offers high-quality downloads in MP3, FLAC, and 24-bit/48kHz formats for $11.99 USD
- Steam: Soundtrack DLC available for PC gamers, providing lossless audio files integrated with your Steam library
- GOG: DRM-free soundtrack option for those preferring no digital rights management
- Digital Music Platforms: Streaming available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and Deezer
- Physical Media: Limited edition vinyl and CD releases through gaming merchandise stores and select retailers
Community Content & Popular Covers:
- YouTube Official: Christopher Larkin's channel features the complete 1:56:42 OST upload with over 18 hours of initial streaming
- Menu Music Captures: Dan Allen Gaming's capture has garnered 13.6K+ views in just 3 days
- Piano Arrangements: PianoPrinceOfAnime's epic orchestral cover gaining hundreds of views daily
- Extended Versions: Fan-created seamless loops ranging from 10 minutes to 1 hour for study/relaxation
- Sheet Music: Available on MuseScore for musicians wanting to learn and perform the piece
- Remix Community: Electronic and orchestral remixes appearing across SoundCloud and YouTube
Pricing Information (September 2025 release):
- Bandcamp Digital Album: $11.99 USD (includes unlimited streaming via free app)
- Steam/GOG Soundtrack DLC: $9.99-$11.99 USD depending on region
- Streaming Services: Included with premium subscriptions
- Vinyl Edition: $25-$35 USD (collector's item with limited pressing)
- Bundle Deals: Often 15-20% discount when purchased with game deluxe editions
How It Sounds (At A Glance)
- Instrumentation: Chamber strings lead with supporting winds; light percussion or pulse keeps time.
- Tone: Calm and welcoming, a reset between sessions before the first traversal.
- Continuity: Melodic lyricism and clear motifs echo series identity while expanding Silksong’s broader, more dramatic palette.
In‑Game Placement
- Location: Title screen / main menu after studio logos.
- Behavior: A seamless loop plays until you start or load a game.
- Purpose: Set a reflective mood; introduce timbre and motif choices you’ll hear across the score.
Credits
- Composer: Christopher Larkin
- Orchestration/Typesetting: As credited on official storefront listings
- Performers: Chamber strings and winds; see album pages for full personnel notes
In-Depth Musical Analysis
Compositional Structure
Form and Development:
- Structure: Built as a short A-A' form with gentle development and seamless cadential turnaround
- Loop Design: Engineered specifically to avoid listener fatigue during extended menu sessions
- Transition Points: Subtle harmonic shifts that make loop points nearly imperceptible
Melodic Content:
- Primary Melody: Features stepwise melodic cells that suggest upward motion, thematically mirroring Silksong's vertical progression through Pharloom
- Motif Development: Small melodic fragments that will recur throughout the full soundtrack in various forms
- Emotional Arc: Begins contemplative, builds to hopeful, resolves with gentle determination
Harmonic Language
Tonal Foundation:
- Key Center: Primarily diatonic with carefully placed color tones for emotional depth
- Chord Progressions: Classic but sophisticated progressions that feel both familiar and fresh
- Textural Approach: Open voicings that create space and prevent harmonic muddiness during repetition
Advanced Harmonic Techniques:
- Modal Inflections: Subtle use of modal scales to create the otherworldly atmosphere
- Voice Leading: Smooth melodic lines in all parts, creating a flowing, organic feel
- Rhythmic Sophistication: Complex underlying rhythms masked by the flowing surface melody
Instrumental Orchestration
Primary Ensemble:
- String Section: Chamber-sized ensemble providing the melodic and harmonic foundation
- Woodwinds: Supportive winds adding color and textural variety
- Percussion: Minimal but strategic use of light percussion for rhythmic pulse
- Production: Carefully balanced mix that works on both headphones and speakers
Thematic Connections
Narrative Integration:
- Character Themes: Subtle hints at Hornet's musical identity established for later development
- Environmental Foreshadowing: Musical elements that will later connect to specific areas in Pharloom
- Emotional Journey: Sets the contemplative, determined mood that defines Hornet's character arc
FAQ
- Is this the “main theme”? Not formally labeled. The community most often ties the menu to “Awakening,” while a separate cue titled “Silksong” anchors album identity. The menu uses a trimmed excerpt.
- Does the loop change later? The title‑screen loop itself is static; variations you hear will be in other tracks and in‑game states.
- Who composed the soundtrack? Christopher Larkin, returning from Hollow Knight, with credits listed on the official album pages.
Related Guides
Source
- Watch the menu music capture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPceeYAVZwE