Heavyocity – FORZO: Modern Brass $549

Given that one of last year’s big releases from Heavyocity was NOVO: Modern Strings, it was only a matter of time before the orchestral brass section got a look-in. FORZO: Modern Brass does just that. While NOVO was recorded on the Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros Studios, FORZO moves location to the equally ‘A-list’ Skywalker Sound Scoring Stage. Like NOVO, there is a somewhat hybrid approach taken to this package. After installing the content (25GB when uncompressed), you’ll find two instrument folders – ‘Traditional’ and ‘Evolved’ – which reflect the different personalities FORZO has to offer. The first uses a more conventional playback engine to access the various sections, including 12 french horns, four trumpets, trombones, tubas and a full ensemble. Within each instance you can switch between nine articulations, totalling over 100, taking in the usual suspects, as well as some fantastic pulses and clusters. In the ‘Evolved’ folder you’ll find the Brass Designer, that lets you combine up to three separate articulation layers, and Loop Designer for mixing and controlling the 400 tempo-synced loops. There are a host of snapshots in both, with the Brass Designer taking things into more eclectic sound-design territory. FORZO is perfect for film or any genre requiring interesting instrumental textures. Another highly playable product from Heavyocity. heavyocity.com VERDICT 8.9