ReMix: Metroid 'The Crimson Depths'

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Harmony of a HunterMetroid

Metroid, Metroid, Metroid... the franchise's 25th anniversary has been celebrated thoroughly, and I'm glad a big part of that has been its groundbreaking approach to VGM. While not an official OC ReMix album, you're definitely going to want to check out Harmony of a Hunter, released over the weekend, which features faces both familiar & new and which celebrates the series' amazing music. Newcomer Sam Dillard impresses quite a bit with this dramatic orchestral arrangement from the game that started it all, as well as its sequel:

"Just a little fusion of the Brinstar Depths and Red Soil themes, done with a blend of orchestra and electronics, in a film-style scoring approach... "

Hey, there's even a choir... really rich, deep textures, giving 'Kraid's Chamber' an imperial bombast that totally works and is further sold by Hollywood scoring aesthetics. When Sam mentioned the blend of orchestral & electronica, I was expecting more of a hybrid, but I'm certainly happy that this is primarily an orchestral/cinematic arrangement that branches out texturally, but never drops a beat or gets too crazy. Suspense is the name of the game - this ReMix builds it masterfully, encircling the listener with a slowly illuminated soundscape that is finally revealed in full scope & grandeur when brass takes the spotlight towards the end. Epic? You bet... and what's more, it's the type of epic that's all the more effective because the anticipation is given equal if not more attention. Earlier portions sound like a disturbed but graceful waltz, and there's a certain peacefulness that sets in; gorgeous foreplay for the build & climax that finish the piece off. Wonderful, compelling debut from Sam Dillard - definitely looking forward to a follow-up - and a great introduction to Harmony of a Hunter, too!

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
I have to say that I've never really been a Metroid guy, but the music is something you can't really deny. Nice to see this tune taken in such a cinematic direction where you can just feel the suspense build up. I'm a sucker for choirs as well, so I can dig those bits quite a lot. For something described as a dark waltz by some, this is my kind of tune. Damn good work with this ReMix.

- Crulex on November 7, 2012
This is one of those ReMixes that almost feels more appropriate than the source track. You know what I mean? Like this tune is what the game track wanted to be.

- Argle on October 23, 2012
This mix really starts off nicely - I like what is going on in the background, and of course I absolutely love string instruments so hearing one in the forefront is always nice in my book :) . Sometime after a minute in everything sounds on the quiet side though for a minute or two. I know some of it is by design, but it seems a little too quiet to me. The build of this mix is great overall though, nice use of orchestration to bring the song into greater suspense of a lurking/brooding kind. The electronic element is subtle which is a nice and somewhat rare thing to see.
Great job overall!

- Bahamut on December 15, 2011
Bread;810924 wrote: I just watched the video.
You shoud definitely submit Into The Green World to OCR as well although it's already in Harmony of a Hunter. It's such a fantastic piece of music. By submitting it to OCR people who haven't downloaded Harmony of a Hunter yet will be able to listen to it as well. Besides, it's just another good reason for them to get HOAH.

Hehe thanks, ok I will submit it right now then! Look out for it in about oh... 8 months? >_<

- Sam Dillard on October 8, 2011
Sam Dillard;804277 wrote: Hehe, well the trumpet section was kind of an afterthought really, I just wanted something bright to help add some contrast at the end. The whole song could have been better honestly, but it was just a quick spur-of-the-moment idea piece. Nice to know you enjoyed it though! :)
I thought about submitting my other (less crappy) song, Into The Green World, but it would have taken too long.
So if you want to hear more, and see a little animated vid I put together for it, then please take a look at this: [U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY73MAFShnU&hd=1[/U]
:)

I just watched the video.
You shoud definitely submit Into The Green World to OCR as well although it's already in Harmony of a Hunter. It's such a fantastic piece of music. By submitting it to OCR people who haven't downloaded Harmony of a Hunter yet will be able to listen to it as well. Besides, it's just another good reason for them to get HOAH.

- Bread on September 29, 2011
In my opinion, this remix is better than the original song. It's so epic that it might as well be in a Hollywood-movie.
Truly an amazing remix! Keep it up!
It also reminded me of the album "Harmony of a Hunter". My first impression is that it's freaking awesome.
Thank you OCR for hosting and spreading all those great remixes!

- Bread on September 28, 2011
Super Metroid really ought to be mentioned as a source, as well as Metroid. The influences of both games are unmistakable.
Oh, and I'm loving this.

- MindWanderer on September 14, 2011
Reminds me a lot of Random Hero's work in quality and style. You sure you're not him using a different name so as to keep the "one mix a year" streak? LOL
I look forward to hearing more of your work in the future :)

- WolfenAmphithere on August 26, 2011
Hehe, well the trumpet section was kind of an afterthought really, I just wanted something bright to help add some contrast at the end. The whole song could have been better honestly, but it was just a quick spur-of-the-moment idea piece. Nice to know you enjoyed it though! :)
I thought about submitting my other (less crappy) song, Into The Green World, but it would have taken too long.
So if you want to hear more, and see a little animated vid I put together for it, then please take a look at this: [U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY73MAFShnU&hd=1[/U]
:)

- Sam Dillard on August 25, 2011
Whoa. Very impressive. You certainly created a Hollywood soundtrack atmosphere in this arrangement. It's intense and exciting without being too over the top. The choir really adds something special to it instead of feeling forced.
C7;801024 wrote: I do have to say the trumpets don't hold up as well as the rest

I have to agree with C7 here. It's the one negative thing I can say. Otherwise, this is one fantastic orchestration.

- meboeck on August 18, 2011
you have achieved something so great that even I cannot comprehend. :)
All of the album itself is an achievement. I love all of your works in the album. You just blow up my mind :D

- morrigan666 on August 14, 2011
This actually reminds me a lot of some of the music in Super Mario Galaxy; namely the BGM when fighting Bowser. Really good stuff man. Hell, it sounds like something you'd hear in an oratorio or something.

- Super_Sonic_Maniac on August 12, 2011
Thanks for the comments everyone!
This song was actually the first I had done in over a year of not making any music, so it was kind of a warm-up to get back into the groove of composing stuff, really. I was still a bit rusty when I was working on it. I'm glad y'all liked it though! :)!!

- Sam Dillard on August 12, 2011
Certainely one of the best things I've ever heard. Samples are really good and orchestration is brilliant. You pushed Kraid's theme to its limits and it's awesome! Congrats! :)

- Chernabogue on August 10, 2011
This is really awesome! You've done some great work and you've put a lot into the sample work. The arrangement is great, the atmosphere is poignant, and you nailed it overall. I do have to say the trumpets don't hold up as well as the rest, but fantastic work otherwise!

- C7 on August 9, 2011