ReMix:Metroid Prime "Parasite X" 3:40

By Mazedude

Arranging the music of one song...

"VS. Parasite Queen"

Primary Game: Metroid Prime (Nintendo , 2002, GCN), music by Kenji Yamamoto (I), Koichi Kyuma

Posted 2011-10-24, evaluated by djpretzel


Mazedude sums it all up:

"Ya know, I never really had the opportunity to play through much of Metroid Prime... but, I do love the soundtrack. And, ever since I first heard it, I've been contemplating arranging the "Vs. Parasite Queen" theme. And, since it was actually a part of the game I did get to play, there's a touch of mini-nostalgia there as well. Bring it all together with a request from Shinesparkers to contribute to the Harmony of a Hunter album, and it finally came to life.

The genre, I admit, is a bit of a departure from the original; I took a hard hitting boss theme and turned it into swingin' ambient funk, I guess you could call it. Chippy, groovy, and chromatic (like the original). I did get stuck on this one half-way through for a while, before coming back to it and bringing it back to life with some even crazier funkiness - as you may notice - but regardless, had a ton of fun making it and really enjoyed lending my voice to the Metroid Prime music."

Offhand, I wouldn't necessarily have thought that Mazedude's quirky, intricate, layered sound would apply itself as well to Metroid Prime's music, but this definitely works. He didn't dilute his style one iota, but rather found a way to symbiotically attach it onto the head of the source material. Palpitating synth bass intros as the undulating pulse of the mix, before a groovy mix of acoustic & electric drums come in, with scientifically sharp synth leads and gurgling pads/fx combining into an odd laboratory of textures. In a different world, one could imagine this as a very successful arrangement of 'Devil's Lab' - it's got that factory feel of peculiar, automated components all working together in a funky, discombobulated-yet-functional accord. It's sinister, and yet it also sounds like it might be making Pee-Wee's breakfast, before his big adventure starts. It takes a unique artist to make all of that work, but that's definitely Chris, as his contribution adds his eccentric, crafted sound to the album; great stuff.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 13 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Black_Doom
on 2015-03-08 01:46:55

This is weird... But it's Mazedude, so no surprises here. I love Chris' approach to the source - he made a wonderfull mix that blends trip-hop, funk, chiptune and creates a spooky and cold vibe. Nice job!

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metaphist
on 2013-08-19 11:11:38

I love this. Very Earthbound-esque in it's approach, with classic Mazedude synth machinations.

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Tuberz McGee
on 2011-12-25 21:17:18

This is one of my favourite tracks on Harmony of a Hunter.

It's frighteningly weird. It's like something out of a horror story.

Most Metroid music goes willingly in one of two directions. Metal. or Synthy Horror Abstractness.

This is the latter. Of which I am glad.

This mix is great for Halloween. 'Nuff said.

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Crulex
on 2011-12-03 18:34:47

This ReMix is weird as all hell....and I mean that in the best possible way. Funky, groovy, and has a nice little swag to it. A trippy beat with a great arrangement, and a cool intro to boot. Not the kind of thing I'd listen to over and over, but it's a great listening experience so say the least.

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Bahamut
on 2011-12-02 01:01:34

Ahh Mazedude, what crazy things have you concocted for this mix?

This mix exhibits an interesting take on the original for sure. While the original is more ominous lacks a melodic pattern that you'd notice, this one has more of a groove to it and a defined melody to get hooked on provided courtesy of the synth. Something feels like it's missing here though - maybe the bass needed to be more prominent? The arrangement certainly is there, especially if you compare it to the original, and once you do that it's not too hard to appreciate.

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Rexy
on 2011-11-30 14:40:50

Well, this track took me some time to wrap around my head, especially considering the not-entirely-melodic nature of the track - similarities with the Mother Brain source material?

In spite of this, it manages to keep with the source origins really well and goes into some very smooth creative melodic movements past the 1:10 mark. Gotta say that the percussion somehow felt a little minimalist to me for the first half of the song, but by the time it starts thickening up at 1:50 it starts to really dive into Mazedude's potential (which i'm assuming is where you started working on it again) and shows some writing skills kinda reminiscent to what you'd expect from the Earthbound score. It may take a few listens to get used to the whole thing, but once you do the purpose of the track starts to feel more understood.

To sum this up, it's quirky, it takes a more ambient track in a fresh direction, and I really dig this, so nice work for the Shinesparkers crew :)

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AMKalmar
on 2011-10-25 22:48:45

Yesss, Mazedude! Recognized his style immediately without looking at the song info. :)

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DominusVita
on 2011-10-25 06:46:02

This almost reminds me of Earthbound's soundtrack when I hear it. Between the retro synthesized melody and the funky drum and bass, it falls somewhere between crazy, groovy, and just plain weird. Fortunately, I mean that in a great way. Very good song. :)

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The Orichalcon
on 2011-10-25 04:00:12

Another sweet Mazedude track, and another great track from Harmony of a Hunter. It was the logical choice to start off the second disc.

I don't have much else to say, I enjoy this track as much as the rest of Mazedude's awesome mixes. Another addition to my Mazedude mixdown list for my car.

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JadeAuto
on 2011-10-24 20:19:35

Very punny title when you put the fusion lore into the mix.

Anyways, very different, and groovy piece. I dig.

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champ the hippie
on 2011-10-24 17:10:16

it's so bouncy and weird! i love it, especially when i'm driving. it's also interesting when compared to the original...

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GreyDefender
on 2011-10-24 16:25:41

I haven't played Metroid Prime in a while and the source tune escapes my memory, but from what I hear it's a very nicely balanced piece of work. Easily something to jam to while working. Added to playlist.

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djpretzel
on 2011-10-24 15:42:47

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Metroid Prime (Nintendo , 2002, GCN)
Music by Kenji Yamamoto (I),Koichi Kyuma
Songs:
"VS. Parasite Queen"

Tags (5)


Genre:
Industrial
Mood:
Funky
Instrumentation:
Electronic,Synth
Additional:
Usage > Halloween

File Information


Name:
Metroid_Prime_Parasite_X_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
6,307,911 bytes
MD5:
10aa8b9b948966c44274ad40da769fc1
Bitrate:
226Kbps
Duration:
3:40
Featured on album...

Harmony of a Hunter


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Published 2011-08-07
By Shinesparkers
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