ORIGINAL 16BIT SOUND COLLECTION I – MAD STALKER for TRUE MEGA DRIVERS
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Album Title: ORIGINAL 16BIT SOUND COLLECTION I – MAD STALKER for TRUE MEGA DRIVERS |
| Record Label: Cold Nerve |
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| Catalog No.: CNCD-0002 |
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| Release Date: September 17, 2020 |
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| Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record |
Overview
Cold Nerve’s, the label by Keishi Yonao, second release is ORIGINAL 16BIT SOUND COLLECTION I – MAD STALKER for TRUE MEGA DRIVERS and contains the soundtrack to MAD STALKER FULL METAL FORTH, released on the Sega Mega Drive. Containing both the YM2612 (analog recording) and YM3438 (digital recording) of the soundtrack, as well as bonus arrangements by Keishi Yonao, hasu, and Luna Umegaki, it is the definitive release of this game’s music in physical form.
Body
The album opens up with “Artemis City 2142,” a sci-fi cinematic arrangement that contains an 80s vibe thanks to the prominent synthesizer. The arrangement, much like the piece itself, oozes atmosphere and is an excellent start to the album. Yonao’s other arrangement “MAD DOG” is a synth rock arrangement of the original with plenty of funky bass guitar and rhythm guitar alongside a synth lead that accentuates the fantastic melody. The other two arrangements that adorn the opening of the album are by hasu. “sKILL” blends synth and groovy bass accentuating the original with a more modernized sound and including both synth and electric guitar solos whereas “Boiling Point” is a more rock focused synth tune with electric guitar and synth leads. The end result is an intense wall of sound. The album closes with an arrangement of “a solution,” by Luna Umegaki. Like her arrangements on the previous Cold Nerve release, it focuses on a more organic sound with piano and strings in full display. It is a beautiful interpretation full of warmth.
As for the original soundtack itself, “IPL – Artemis City 2142 – RECONSTRUCTION,” utilizes the FM synthesizers to create a cinematic feel that is moody and futuristic. “OMEGA DRIVIN'” features groovy percussion alongside a bright synth melody and definitely gives off a feeling of movement. “MAD DOG” features plenty of funky rhythms and percussion that complement the engaging melody whereas “ENCOUNTER” features an energetic melody and an equally energetic bass accompaniment that moves the piece along. “Aftermath’s” slightly ominous melody works well with the groovy tone of the piece while “sKILL” continues this trend with another fantastic melody and groovy bass work. “ON TACTICS” features a faster tempo than some of the pieces on the album and its twangy synth melody works well with the percussive elements of the tune. “Boiling Point’s” strong melody works well with the funky slap bass and is quite an entertaining piece. “CRASH BEAT” is intense and dramatic and it shows in its melody. However, the piece is a bit one note and doesn’t really develop as much as other pieces on the album. Lastly, “a solution” is a celebratory track with a bright melody, slap bass, and drum pad that closes out the soundtrack on a high note.
Summary
Overall, fans of Yonao’s FM synthesis work will enjoy what is presented on this album. Although the differences between the two versions of the soundtrack are pretty minimal, the bonus arrangements are a worthy addition to the soundtrack. For those looking for some FM music that you may haven’t heard before, this one might tick some boxes. Given that this is the first collection, it’s exciting to think what might be featured in future Cold Nerve releases.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
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Posted on March 9, 2021 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on March 9, 2021.
About the Author
Don Kotowski Currently residing in Philadelphia. I spend my days working in vaccine characterization and dedicate some of my spare time in the evening to the vast world of video game music, both reviewing soundtracks as well as maintaining relationships with composers overseas in Europe and in Japan.
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