The keyword term "Patriots Day ost" functions as a noun phrase. In this context, "Patriots Day" acts as an adjectival noun modifying the head noun "ost," which is an acronym for "Original Soundtrack." The entire phrase refers to a specific entity: the collection of musical compositions created for the 2016 film Patriots Day, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
The soundtrack is characterized by its blend of ambient electronic music, tense industrial soundscapes, and minimalist piano melodies, a signature style of its composers. Reznor and Ross's score was designed to evoke the film's core emotional spectrum, from the suspense and chaos of the Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt to the profound sense of tragedy and community resilience. The score largely avoids traditional, heroic orchestral themes, instead using atmospheric textures and dissonant sounds to create a raw, documentary-like sense of immediacy and psychological tension that mirrors the on-screen events.
The practical application of this score demonstrates a modern approach to film composition where music is integral to the narrative's tone rather than a simple accompaniment. The soundtrack's critical reception noted its effectiveness in creating a visceral, immersive experience for the audience. It serves as a key example of how minimalist and industrial-influenced music can be used in a biographical thriller to heighten emotional impact and authenticity without resorting to conventional cinematic sentimentality.
