Posted 2002-05-18, evaluated by djpretzel


Uber-talented AmIEviL writes in:

I just returned from three months backpacking in Asia. Anyways, here´s a small castlevania medley of three tunes: the first and second level divided by the boss-theme. It features real strings and guitar. I played it even though Im not very good at neither, it was the first time I played the violin :D. But it ended up okay.

I'd say this is a pretty good way to come back after a three month backpacking trip in Asia (jealous!), myself. AmIEviL, famed creator of immaculate ReMixes like his amazing Mega Man 4 and FF6 works, brings us some CastleMania. Heavy hip-hop / rock, with monster death-metal guitar chugs of death, starts things off on the right foot - love some of the drum fills and the slide and hit at 1'06" on the "chorus". The funkdown synth section at 1'50" also kicks major booty, with a harpsichord-ish, phased synth and cut-in/cut-out drums and guitar hits. This segues into a reserved, beautiful organ and piano segment with very dynamic ride cymbals accentuating every beat. ReMix ends beginning with the section at 3'34", which abruptly moves into heavy rolling kick drums, double-time hi-hats, and cool chromatic detuned saw synths that end the piece (with a cool reverse cymbal hit at the end). Often, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and I think AmIEviL's pieces personify that saying by having dozens of memorable sections, effects, instruments, harmonies, and what have you. But it's the way he chains them together into sonic works of art that's so impressive - his previous Super Metroid ReMix also illustrated his skills for combining multiple themes into a seamless, high-quality presentation, so check it out too. Not much else to say other than it certainly comes highly recommended and is delicious dunked in milk or eaten plain :)

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Marscaleb
on 2020-10-29 18:24:31

It's been years, and I've still never seen anyone make a remix even close to how good this is.

Where did AmIEvil go? He made the best remixes...

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WesternZypher
on 2010-12-25 18:21:23

8 years and counting, this is still awesome. Those whip-cracks, man - they make it rock.

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OA
on 2009-12-04 16:53:13

ohhhh, awesome beginning to this, those crazy-syncopated guitar hits are absolutely sick! Some nice details are more apparent with repeated listens, and each time the mix feels better. I am in the camp that feels there should be a bit more bass in the mix, but it's still a whippin' good track.

Recommended!

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42
on 2009-12-01 01:37:28

I admit that I like this, but it comes off as a bit too stiff necked and mechanical. Also it seems to be a little conservative with arranging the themes.

I mean the Castlevania themes aren't ingrained into my consciousness like, say, Mario's or Zelda's but since it's going for that rock/metal vibe, I feel some of the melodies and themes here could be more embelished. :razz:

I also like those whip cracks; they add an extra layer of immersion that just drags one in.

Still this is a great mix and worth checking out.

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Klub Kid
on 2006-04-30 20:17:24

i'd have to say,and this is coming from a ceo of a large but independant record label mind u, that this is a great mix,and also a great beat that i'd probably rap wit,the one beef i do have would be that at the end,do a kind of fade out to end wit a repeat of the first part,the one wit the guitars,other than that great job man,maybe i can give u a job on my label as a producer or somethin,i really like ur style wit this mix.

Peace and stay frosty!

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Kurokun1293
on 2006-04-18 01:43:37

A very seamless transition at the point between Vampire Killer and Stalker. The song's allright, but i felt more could've been done with the Stalker theme, aside from underlying VK music. You managed to incorporate Stalker, but it wasn't completely nessecary. Other than that, Its pretty good.

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Trentdaddy
on 2005-10-08 16:40:46

A very nice remix that separates itself from other Castlevania remixes (that I like as well). I really like how the boss music comes in at 2:18.

As for bass, I'm no musical judge at all, so I see no need for anything else.

But many of the people's opinions here (in this thread) seem so single minded.

Guy 1: OMG! This has no bass! It sucks!

Guy 2: It doesn't need bass, it is perfect, you suck!

1: You are an idiot for thinking that.

2: You have no taste in music.

If somebody thinks that a song needs bass, then that is perfectly fine to state, and I see no reason to bash somebody just because their opinion states so. But you are perfectly reasonable in saying that it doesn't need bass. I just don't see the sense behind calling somebody an idiot for thinking it does or doesn't.

I don't have a strong taste or knowledge in music, nor a strong presence here. Add on to the fact that I'm "Just another Internet personality" and what I says pretty much has little to no creditability (but if you do a Google search for me, nearly all the results are related to me). But I wish some people here would take what I said into account at least.

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quoda
on 2005-05-16 19:38:00

I've been listening to this mix a lot recently and it still blows me away. I can't believe this remix was AmIEvil's first time playing a violin, but then there are some people with exceptional musical skills. Fantastic stuff.

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Art_lover
on 2005-05-13 10:54:20

Hey, I agree that it could have used just a little more bass...just a little. However, I don't believe that it was really necessary because this remix sounds great without more bass in it. Maybe AmIEviL figured that more bass was unnecessary so, let's give the man his props! I'm still replaying it so you know that his remix is that good.

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FiremanJoe
on 2005-04-09 07:24:08

this is the kinda thing OCR is all about i think :D

as for 4 lil metroid, its great too, but i dont see the greatness in let there be light

overall a great remixer tho ;)

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SixthFlyingMan
on 2005-03-11 14:37:06

Actually... The only mix of "Vampire Killer" that I've liked. After that short little violin thing, AmIEvil actually put in a melody line instead of the dissonant buzz on the original NES (that other remixers tried to mimic). Also, Blue Mage, I think this is the stage 1 theme, not the boss theme... Wicked Child's the boss theme. Chikusho Sound Team did a remix of it titled "Wickedest Child", you should check it out. But yeah, awesome mix, downloadage.

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BlueMage
on 2005-02-22 22:28:54

This mix == ass-threateningly good. I mean that. I think I can pick the boss theme (note, I never actually played the game, so I'm assuming) and it sounds awesome. AmIEvil == knows his shit. And there's no problems with the bass - sometimes a little less bass isn't a bad thing....'sides, a subwoofer can remedy that if need be.

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OchreJelly
on 2004-12-22 14:41:25

This gem was hidden amongst the tons of files I got when I downloaded the OC torrents a few months back. I was really surprised when I heard it the first time, but then I saw it was by AmIEvil and all was explained. Needless to say, this song rocks in ways thought previously un-rockable. It's heavy, it's got superb sound quality and the live and synth parts mix perfectly. I really never noticed the lack of bass from this one, so I think it makes no difference either way. Another standout song from Mr.AmIEvil. 10/10

I love that whip noise, by the way. :)

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Cheeszeman_
on 2004-09-27 03:27:56

great tune... u kno, AmIEvil is real talented... never played violin before?! wow *worships AmIEvil*

poor pathetic people... ptya, needs bass?! 8O ok, u make this remix with bass, better than AmIEvil's, and then i will tell you this needs more bass!

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HumpteeFree
on 2004-09-25 17:07:11

This is really good stuff. Could be in a movie soundtrack. I like the whip. Download it.

Sources Arranged (3 Songs)


Primary Game:
Castlevania (Konami , 1986, NES)
Music by Kinuyo Yamashita,Satoe Terashima
Songs:
"Poison Mind (Boss BGM)"
"Stalker (Tower BGM)"
"Vampire Killer (Breaking Into the Castle BGM)"

Tags (15)


Genre:
Dance,Electro,Metal
Mood:
Aggressive,Dark,Spooky,Suspenseful
Instrumentation:
Electric Guitar,Electronic,Harpsichord,Piano,Synth
Additional:
Arrangement > Medley
Time > 4/4 Time Signature
Usage > Halloween

File Information


Name:
Castlevania_Castlemania_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,569,365 bytes
MD5:
fc73844df25c830d5cd4cf0b6a6205f5
Bitrate:
160Kbps
Duration:
4:34

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