Cato Hoeben is a Film, TV and Game composer who specialises in horror and thriller and whose atmospheric scores have captivated audiences across the BBC, ITV, Netflix, and Prime Video. He has a distinct ability to craft visceral soundscapes that amplify psychological dread and supernatural terror, and as a result, is quickly becoming a go-to composer for filmmakers, game developers, and content creators seeking authenticity in their darkest narratives.
Mastering the Art of Horror Composition
Spanning the full spectrum of the genre, Cato’s expertise ranges from the slow-burning psychological tension of chase thrillers to the bone-chilling atmosphere of demonic horror. His work demonstrates an intimate understanding of how music manipulates fear, building suspense through carefully orchestrated dissonance, unsettling sound design, and haunting melodies.
Within his portfolio you’ll find Jennifer Sheridan’s critically acclaimed vampire thriller Rose: A Love Story, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, where Cato’s evocative score perfectly balanced gothic romance with creeping dread. For the Hollywood thriller House at the End of the Street starring Jennifer Lawrence, he helped Oscar-winning composer and sound designer Theo Green (Dune) deliver heart-pounding orchestral tension that elevated the film’s psychopath chase sequences. In First Born, Cato showcased his work scoring spiritual and demonic scenes with composer Walter Mair, creating an oppressive sonic atmosphere that intensifies supernatural terror, while his score on They Don’t Leave took a raw emotional-led approach to psychological horror, with live strings that ached and moaned in a agonisingly haunting score that explores trauma and inner demons.
Horror Audio and beyond
As one of the founders of Horror Audio, Cato wants to bring his many years of experience composing and sound designing to filmmakers, game developers and content creators with accessible and high-quality, yet affordable, sound packs to use in their projects. Audio directors seeking a composer who understands both cinematic storytelling and interactive media will find his hybrid approach invaluable in crafting the best experience for their viewers. His background combines traditional orchestral composition with cutting-edge sound design, producing trailer-ready music that commands attention and atmospheric soundscapes that immerse players in relentless dread.
Beyond traditional film scoring, Cato has worked in the creative world of game composition and immersive experiences. He recently scored an immersive experience ride called Timeless Flight Hong Kong which involved recording a 59-piece orchestra, working again with Theo Green who sculpted the sound design.
