Brilliant piece.
The bass really amplifies the grim feeling of Reach. I particullarly like the brass. The emphasis on the wind and brass made it sound alot more "military like", if you know what I mean, with that is the snare, which gives it that touch of pace and military discipline. The pace isn't fast, but it is very diliberate and it really reflects on the spartan's in such a grim and hostile time. The strings give it the halo feeling, that touch of the bungie + halo history that just had to be there, and guess what, it was.
The cymbals at the start really at to that mysterious feeling, who is this? what is he doing? why is he still on the planet?
I love the climax, It didn't come out of no where, it built up with alot of care, it was quietly building up and then it sorta hit you. It doesn't surprise, but it did a very good job of making you feel that "my god this is it!"
The theme is amzing, its got that old... um... how do you say it, asian? middle eastern? kind of mass exodus/ final march into combat style to it. It adds to that "old" feeling. It also adds to the grim atmosphere.
It grim, with colour and it retains its "haloness".
Awesome work Marty! Awesome work Bungie!