ReMix: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 'Mystic Chemicals'

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Game: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega, 1992, GEN)
ReMixer(s): XMark
Composer(s): Masato Nakamura
Song(s): 'Chemical Plant Zone', 'Mystic Cave Zone'
Posted: 2009-12-08, evaluated by djpretzel

XMark writes:

"A classic rock-styled rendition of the Mystic Cave Zone, with a bit of Chemical Plant Zone thrown in the middle."

Some folks may not know that - while I love music from almost every genre - I'd probably list "classic rock" as my favorite. It's a very debatable label, since it refers less to an overall sound and more to a time period, and it seems like most classic rock radio stations are always extending that time period further and further into the 1980's. Are Talking Heads' songs "classic rock".. or "New Wave"? Who knows; they're great, though, and so is this mix. I'd say, to help narrow things down a bit, that Mark is definitely channeling Led Zeppelin more than anyone else, especially with the drums and the loose, heavy feel. I kept expecting Robert Plant's voice to come in and start singing about girls, love, Tolkein, Norse mythology, or all of the above. It never did, but this is still one hell of an instrumental: screaming guitar leads over beefy chords, with the whole thing anchored by a classic riff, as drums groove loosely in the background.

Sometimes things get a little too loose, and fade out endings always rub some folk the wrong way, but overall XMark truly succeeded in capturing a "classic rock" sound, and anyone who digs the Sonic 2 OST or Led Zeppelin (which should be all of you, 'else I'll hurt you!) will be in seventh heaven. I'd love to see more guitar-based tracks in a classic rock or blues style - nothing (at all) wrong with metal, power rock, or hard rock, but I personally think the 60's and 70's were a magical time for music, and I'd love to see that side of guitar-driven music explored more. XMark's certainly doing his part - great stuff.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

Did anyone else think of the Saved by the Bell theme around 2:30 or was it just me?

- rebelnyell on January 30, 2012

Yes, yes, a million times fuck yeah! This is what I'm talking about genre-wise. Classic rock really does it for me, even more than hard rock and electronic. I really wasn't expecting to find a classic rock remix of Sonic while I'm on my Sonic kick, but not only do I find one, it's freaking awesome! The guitars were spot on and damn the drums were nice. I gotta say, that I actually liked the Mystic Cave Zone part slowed down a bit. It brings out that Led Zepplin soul and I really hope we see more of this at some point.

- Crulex on April 19, 2011

Now this is really impressive. I wasn't expecting this level of quality in the arrangement.
The average guitar remix usually goes somewhere along the "faster-paced than original + shredding" framework, but this manages to go beyond the commonplace. Not only it suceeds in reaching a specific sound, but it also brings the, let's say, "soul" of that genre too. The original riffs are also catchy as ****.
Well done.

- Holy Land on September 28, 2010

im not a big fan of classic rock, but this version its great, it has all of that style,
and the chemical plant song on the middle , gives a great melody

- kadath on July 2, 2010

I'm not as enthusiastic about this remix as most other people seem to be. I like classic rock, but this remix is missing something. I can't put my finger on it; maybe it is like DJP said in the write-up and it's the singing that's missing, but something about this arrangement bothers me.
That being said, the part starting at ~2:35 is awesome.

- Martin Penwald on December 19, 2009

This mix rocked my face back and forth til the dang thing fell off.
I love just how rowdy and rough it is! It almost has a swing feel to it with the drum solo...

- LuckyXIII on December 16, 2009

Hoo-yeah! I love this mix so freaking much; its pretty much flawless.
There really needs to be more classic rock inspired remixes out there.
After listening to this, I know realize now that this is one of those things that deep down I've always secretly wanted, but I never knew exactly what it was until now.
This would be sheer mind blowing to see this performed live.
This mix comes so highly recommended; it really should belong in everyone's collection.

- 42 on December 14, 2009

I'm not sure how much I'm a fan of the style. It definitely was pulled off well, but it feels a little short to me. Not sure if I can really add to the comments here really, production seems clean, but something about the arrangement bothers me.

- Bahamut on December 14, 2009

This hits the spot. Fantastic work overall and the guitar work is just so gnarly.
Just love it.

- metalsnakejuice on December 12, 2009

Good stuff, great intro, and I love that drum sound. Some very nice riffage as i've come to expect from Xmark, and those it's a bit loose in some sections, it just gives it a more live feel, rather than bringing the mix down overall. Source was really used well here, and fits the treatment.
Basically, this just plain rocks, and not only does it have swagger, but a lot of personality.
Recommended!

- OA on December 11, 2009

This track is right up my alley. I'm really impressed by the drum work. There are a few sections were I would have liked things to be a bit tighter (like DragonAvenger mentioned), but in the long run those don't really detract from the song at all.
All of the comparisons to Zeppelin... if that's not high praise, I don't know what is!

- jmr on December 9, 2009

Very cool mix. Love the feel, and I'm a fan of classic rock as a genre myself. The guitar work is rockin', and a lot of fun. Though the theme from Mystic Cave tends to be faster, the more deliberate rendition is a fun contrast.
Great work on this. Looking forward to seeing more from you down the line!

- Triad Orion on December 9, 2009

The drums have little too much reverb compared to the rest. Recording (or is it production?) is a little iffy at times, with instruments seemingly cancelling each other out. I agree the tempo is a little too low to make this truly enjoyable for me.
Performance is very good most of the time, with drums sometimes a little off, and lead guitar as good as anyone could ask it to be.
I sound like I hate this mix. I just didn't like it all that much (but then again, I'm not a fan of the genre). Good job though, dude, and I'm sure lots of other people will.

- Dafydd on December 9, 2009

Absolutely awesome! This definitely makes my new favorite Mystic Cave mix. I don't even like that song all that much, but as a remix this rockin' view on that troublesome cave level music gives me a whole new perspective.

- MechaFone on December 9, 2009

Call me strange, but I don't think this mix does the original anywhere near the justice it deserves, mainly by being too slow. When I go rock, I want it fast and frantic, and I will except no substitutes.

- purplecowadoom on December 9, 2009