ReMix: Shadowgate 'Crypt Rock'

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Phoenix, aka Christopher Aaby (who must go to the front of every surname-alphabetized queue in existence), writes:

"I am submitting a remix medley of songs from the game Shadowgate for the NES. It's basically a mix of melody leads from the game, played over various rhythm parts of my own design, add some groove, mix and stir. Everything is played on electric guitar and bass, except the drums, which are electronic, and a single synth effect in the beginning of the track."

That's one lonely synth effect, surrounded by bullying, fretted instruments that probably stole its lunch money after the track was over. Crunchier than your grandmother's breakfast cereal, and with just as much fiber, Mr. Aaby's arrangement successfully throws several melodies from the game into a satisfying rock stew. Guitar parts are plentiful and varied, with attention to processing and panning to ensure timbral variety; drums, on the other hand, are sequenced well but a little on the anemic side, at least according to some of the judges. Jesse writes:

"the drums are definitely on the cheesy side. However this track is pretty solid. The arrangement does use a lot of different melodies, but the transitions are natural and they lend some dynamics to the track. the guitar performance is good, and the left/right setup works great. The guitars provide excellent counterpoint to each other."

JJT echoes this appraisal:

"Solid. My only complaint is the drums which somehow sound a step below general MIDI. I'm not even sure how that works. The sequencing is fine, its just the hi-hat and cymbols that are particularly bad. You could find MUCH better samples on the 'net for free without looking too hard. Anyways...I can see a lot of people really digging this track. It rocks, and the playing is as good as the tone. I would gladly place this on the proverbial alter in tribute to the proverbial pagan gods of rawk. You get the idea. Nice work."

I think these two peeps did my work for me and summed it up pretty nice; hopefully Phoenix rises to the occasion and submits more mixes with somewhat improved percussion, but even if that takes some time, his arrangement and guitar skills are compensating enough to result in some kicking and enjoyable rock.

― djpretzel