Death Stranding collaborator and Low Roar lead Ryan Karazija dies aged 40
The alt-rock band, best known for contributing to the horror-adventure video game Death Stranding, has lost its founder and lead Ryan Karazija.
The American immigrant founded the Icelandic project named after his solo act in 2011 after moving to Reykjavik, Iceland.
The band informed the public of Karazija’s sudden and unfortunate death in an Instagram post on Sunday, detailing the cause of his death as complications from pneumonia.
The band’s music catapulted in popularity following their inclusion in game developer Hideo Kojima’s 2019 sci-fi epic, Death Stranding, after Koijima chanced upon the band’s music while browsing through a CD shop in Reykjavik.
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.
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) October 29, 2022
Low Roar Ryan Karazija (1982-2022) pic.twitter.com/buzBwtBHvr
Karazija’s melancholic vocals played an inseparable part of Death Stranding’s sullen, dystopian atmosphere, the dreamy folk-like designs of their work on the soundtrack album capturing the beauty in the somber realities of the game. Karazija’s soulful lyrics, coupled with Death Stranding’s immersive gameplay offered solace to many in the trying times of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Low Roar elevated the game to another level. It wouldn't be the same without them. pic.twitter.com/MS4GRpB26z
— Kal (@AyoItsKal) October 29, 2022
Low Roar's music is an integral part of the Death Stranding experience. Ryan Karazija's melodic vocals help define such a unique game. What a tragedy, losing someone so talented so young. Rest in peace :( pic.twitter.com/bO3w0qaxk6
— DazeAhead❔🌌 (@KendrickLaMario) October 30, 2022
I met you thanks to Death Stranding, but I found myself in every note and every text of your songs may your soul find the right way..I will never forget the emotions you gave me...Thank you ❤️
— VP|Simon0A (@Simon0aVp) October 30, 2022
Low Roar Ryan Karazija (1982-2022) pic.twitter.com/yEHL913l4t
Ryan Karazija, front man of Low Roar, has passed away. I’m saddened by this, his music in Death Stranding and LR’s other album were so soulful and comforting. His songs really gave me comfort during the 2020 lockdown. He was a truly talented artist. pic.twitter.com/8r6IitWxf4
— alessandro fillari (@afillari) October 29, 2022
Rest in peace to Ryan Karazija, lead singer and front man of Low Roar, who tragically passed away at age 40
— Cam! (@the_trash_cam) October 30, 2022
His music got me through a dark time and is some of the most beautiful I’ve heard in the past decade, and is brilliantly woven into Death Stranding
A heartbreaking loss pic.twitter.com/Qr1NSJAZyB
Low Roar is the only band I've actually wanted to see live. Their music is magical in words that I cannot say. It's helped me feel better on my bad days and better on my good days. I will savor the music that Ryan gave to us, and pray that he has found peace. pic.twitter.com/yImeuzaRFN
— Adrino (@Adrino23589412) October 29, 2022
Low Roar came into my life via Death Stranding and impacted me unexpectedly, emotionally and creatively. To this day, those songs evoke memories of the first time I heard them. This is a loss that will be felt deeply. Rest in peace, Ryan Karazija, you will be missed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MrJ8DXWxnx
— leo artemis macleod (@astrandofgold) October 30, 2022
Low Roar was a response to Karazija’s solitude in the wake of moving to Reykjavik, his distinctly wistful musical style and mellow vocals a product of his struggles of adjusting to the alien environment of a foreign land away from home; a theme poetically reflected in Kojima’s Death Stranding as well.
Low Roar’s song "Help Me" also features over the end credits of 2021’s Academy Award nominated animated documentary, Flee.
Following the announcement of his death, the band also confirms that their sixth album is underway and shall be released once ready as Karazija’s sole posthumous work of music.
