This is the current d4 menu music. It sounds flat, no melody. A dark setting is not enough, it has to sound good.
Examples how it can emotionally connect and sound grave. Yet, it sounds good and melodious:
A dark setting is not enough.
In the ages of empires series, every instrument is simplified to make the soundtrack smaller on the cd. Despite the very simple instrument sounds, each track sounds contrasty. There is a historical research of the instruments in different cultures in the timeline. I think songs #4 to #7 are interesting. It also shows that one does not need a symphonic orchestra to give character to a song.
As I said many times, Blizzard needs to collaborate with experts and talents in their own domain. Not use 1 artist for everything he has vague knowledge of. Matt Uelmen worked with Scott Petersen and Jonatan Stone for the diablo franchise.
Here it is Issam Houshan with the drum:
In recents Blizzard games, it feels like 1 instrument is used for 1 emotion. But Matt Uelmen explores and exploits everything an instrument can give. 1 instrument can be used for a range of emotions and situations. Researches should be made and then the instruments must be explored: