ReMix:Demon's Crest "Metropolis Pt. 3: Scenes from a Demon Realm" 4:27

We just migrated ocremix.org to a brand new server last night, and we're pretty stoked. People still say "stoked," right? Maybe not... well, to be on the safe side, we're also hyped, amped, pumped, & feelin' it, because our new box is three times more powerful than our previous one (over 9000, etc.) and has SSDs that shoot lasers. What does this mean to you? Well, we've (still) got plenty of changes in store for OCR in 2015, the first of which is a forum migration, and we hope/think/believe that this beefier hardware will help make that happen, in addition to providing a speedier overall experience. Think of it as upgrading our foundation so that we can build a better tomorrow!!™ As always, thanks to our Patreon backers who are making these enhancements possible!

So how to celebrate? Well... howsabout a sweet rock arrangement from Demon's Crest from newcomers Megalixir (Sam Barugh, Joe Khan, Joey Killam, Mads Aasvik)? Sounds good to me! Our sole previous mixpost from this SNES platformer from Capcom was way back in 2002, so I'm just glad to see it resurfacing on OCR after 13 years. Sam writes:

"It is an original composition based on the game Demon's Crest; released for the SNES in 1994. Our piece contains two themes from the game as well as some original sections. Our band, Megalixir, records a variety of video game compositions for a retro iTunes podcast, TADPOG, of which this was used on a recent episode. It was recorded and mixed in Pro Tools. Joe Khan and I are based in Buffalo, Joey Killam is in Houston, and Mads Aasvik is in Norway - we are an international collective. :) We hope you enjoy the submission."

First off, I just love to see the internationally/geographically distributed bands that the Internet makes possible - if lolcats and trolls represent the vapid & dark sides of the online world, collaboration towards worthy goals (artistic & otherwise) represents the shining beacon of hope, as it were. This ReMix actually starts off a little thin, which caused the judges some worryin', but it picks up circa 0'58" when the lead electric takes over & fleshes out the soundscape. Chimpazilla writes:

"The drums sound great with the guitars, but the kit doesn't work as well with the synth stuff by itself. The synth solo at 1:30 is excellent, reminds me of early Genesis or Dream Theater. The piano that follows at 1:55 is very stiff, bringing the energy of the track quickly down. I like this track a lot, it is very creative and the source is well represented and interpreted. The arrangement, creativity and great guitar performances make up for the production issues I hear."

Palpable adds:

"Thankfully, 0:58 marks a good change and from there on, you guys had me. The glassy lead works much better as a supporting instrument and the synth solo was sweet. Agreed with Larry that the piano could have used better sequencing, but it did the job ok. 2:23 was probably my favorite section: great drumwork, cool arrangement of the theme with new supporting guitar work. Some nice harmonies towards the end too."

Perhaps "don't judge a mix by its intro" is a helpful analog to the old adage about not judging books by their covers? Of course, both the beginnings & endings of musical compositions DO leave critical impressions as the alpha & omega of what the listener hears, but they also aren't the end-all be-all of what a piece can do or say in its full course. It's a balance, and while this mix may not start off on the BEST foot, its gait only becomes more confident with each step. Good first mix, great to see some new faces taking on a game we haven't heard from in a long while, & hope to hear more soon!