ReMix:Bionic Commando "Enemy Underworld" 5:13

We missed this one back when Bionic Commando: OK, We'll Groove was released - an epic, soaring orchestral arrangement from Nutritious that incorporates a lot of choral components as well; Justin writes:

"I actually originally turned down John R's invite to join the Bionic Commando project, due to huge musical workload at the time. It wasn't without some regret, because BC is one of the few original games I owned and grew up with and something I really wanted to try my hand at. So, months later under different circumstances, I ended up starting an Area 5 ("Heat Wave") mix anyway. Luckily, during the process, the track actually opened up on the project, so I asked John for a claim.

Anyway, enough of the boring stuff. Having grown up playing this game with my brother, it was a no-brainer to join up on the project. The theme I chose isn't one of the more popular tracks from the game, but I could envision it in a really big orchestral/soundtrack genre. I wanted this track to be huge: lots of brass, big drums, and choir. Most of the piece deals in Area 5, but to vary it up a bit, I did throw some of the main theme in the middle as well. I couldn't resist hitting the main theme.

Though it took a long time to complete, I feel like I achieved what I really wanted to here and it feels like a big step up from anything else I've submitted here. I really can say I accomplished what I was aiming for on this track, which is really all an artist can ask for."

The enormous symphonic and choral feel of the intro really reminds me of the God of War soundtrack, and then BIG HORNS come in and seal the deal. Some of the detail work here is fantastic; Justin DEFINITELY stepped up his mixing/production game in terms of soundfield and positioning/balancing individual and ensemble elements. The mixed articulations, varied choral dynamics and vowels/phrases, and the overall oomph all combine for some gooooood stuff. I hate to be trite - oh wait, no I don't - but if you combined Bionic Commando with God of War, well... I think you'd have something like this. God of Commando? Bionic War? A mix by any other name would smell as sweet & sound as badass. Excellent work from Justin & a great reason to revisit OK, We'll Groove and check out all it has to offer!